Congratulations to this year’s Savory 16 Contest Winner, Carol Tutor. We are sure you will enjoy your full year subscription to our Cheese of the Month Club.
 Savory 16: Final
Winning a Savory 16 title is never easy. Two weeks of intense tastings, pairings and culinary events pit 16 of the world’s greatest cheeses against one another. In the end, only one wheel of cheese stands above the rest. This year’s coveted title came down to two artisan cheeses, Brillo Pecorino Divino, the wine-washed sheep’s milk cheese from Tuscany, and Cornelia, a Dutch goat-gouda infused with coriander seed.
As soon as Brillo entered the stadium, fans were enrapt with the rich, jammy aromas wafting off its wine-soaked rind. Despite a “party-cheese” reputation entering the tourney, Brillo has shown incredible depth in dispatching seasoned veterans Boschetto al Tartufo and Gruyere de Comte in previous rounds. On the other end of the floor stood this year’s Cinderella story, Cornelia. Savory 16 fans and critics alike were buzzing over this coriander infused gouda after eliminating powerhouses Buche de Chevre, Beemster and reigning champion Rogue Creamery’s entry, Smokey Blue, in earlier rounds.
Cornelia came out strong, using a well-planned leek gratin to jump out to an early lead. Judges thoroughly enjoyed Cornelia’s creamy texture as Cornelia used its buttery coriander flavors to overwhelm the more subtle Brillo. Perhaps it was just the pressure of the moment, but Brillo appeared to be stunned by the aggressive nature of Cornelia. Brillo was clearly on its heels as they headed to the wine pairing. Cornelia continued to apply the pressure by offering a brilliant pairing of viognier with duck rillets. However, Brillo answered the challenge with a tantalizing pairing of Pinot Noir and succulent slivers of Prosciutto di Parma and figs to slice into Cornelia’s lead. This match would come down to the salad competition . Cornelia offered itself with a lobster and avocado salad, flaked with shavings of Cornelia’s sweet and herbal core. Brillo countered with a salad of shaved asparagus, endive, and dried persimmon, wowing the judges with an exceptionally balanced dish that showcased its versatility. Fans were on their feet applauding the efforts of these two great cheeses while they awaited the final results of the judges. Championships are often decided by the slimmest of margins and when the final votes were tallied, Brillo Pecorino Divino was crowned this year’s Savory 16 champion.
Brillo was clearly overcome by emotion after winning the title. Choking back the tears Brillo dedicated this victory to everyone back at Il Forteto. Il Forteto began as a cooperative run by students decades ago, looking to reconnect with the artisan side of Tuscany’s agricultural past. Relying on the quality of milk sourced from the local countryside, these students soon began to turn out award winning cheeses. Among them was little Brillo, who spent several weeks in a cask of wine, gently absorbing the flavor and nuances of the Tuscan viticulture. It’s clear that this intensive care and hands-on grooming are a big part of why Brillo has come so far so quickly in the cheese world.
Until next year, cheese-fanatics, we wish you happy snacking!
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Final Four Results
 | Final Four: Heavyweight vs. Flavored
A new chapter in the long standing rivalry between Italian and French cheesemaking was written tonight. Gruyere de Comte entered this tourney carrying the heavy burden of last year crushing semi-final loss at the hands of Italian legend Parmigiano Reggiano. Last year’s loss became this year’s battle cry as Comte has been focused and dominant in its march to a title this year. On the other end of the spectrum you have the free-wheeling Brillo Pecoring DiVino. After several nights of revelry many wondered if Brillo would be sober enough to even make it to the cheese plate, let alone go head-to-head against fondue king Comte.
Comte, hoping to intimidate Brillo, opened with an aggressive dish of aligot, a creamy potato dish resplendent with garlic and cheese. Comte was going for the knockout early as it unleashed its mountainous power against the subtle yet intoxicating aromas Brillo Pecorino DiVino. Brillo, named after the Tuscan dialect for “high and merry,” appeared unaffected by the early onslaught from Comte. Perhaps too intoxicated to realize the weight of the moment, Brillo responded with a field green salad with dried cherries and slivers of its sheepy cheese scattered across the top. The tartness of the cherries, coupled with the jammy flavors of Brillo’s wine-washed rind offered enough of a sharp contrast to the richness of Comte’s dish to sway the judges over with a perfect score. Brillo’ carefree attitude in the face of Comte’s pressure throughout the match clearly was unnerving for Comte. With the match on the line Comte clearly became tight as it simply could not open up its flavors during the wine pairing round. Comte was visibly shaken after the match and one has to wonder if they will be able to recover in time for next year's Savory 16. Brillo, on the other hand, will look to keep the party going as it hopes to become this year’s Savory 16 Champion.
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Final Four: Reserve vs. Robust
Tensions were running high headed into this matchup as legendary Beemster and its Premium 12 Month Gouda would face off against this year’s Cinderella and fellow countryman, Cornelia. Bragging rights were on the line for these two Dutch foes as well as a chance to become this year’s Savory 16 champion. Judge Vincent Gerard remarked, “At this level of the game, every cheese is great, but what makes a championship cheese is one that can rise from great to exceptional.”
Juggernaut Beemster was the heavy favorite amongst prognosticators headed into its matchup against artisan cheese maker Anna Van Dijk’s Cornelia. And while the so-called “experts” continued to sing the praises of Beemster before the match, fans of The Savory 16 were rallying behind the diminutive goat cheese and heavy underdog, Cornelia. As the match unfolded Beemster clearly had the polish and professional training, opening with perfectly executed pots of fondue, gouda-stuffed chicken breasts, and well-planned wine pairings to highlight its buttery, savory-sweet flavors.
However, Cornelia simply would not back down. Showing the heart of a true champion, Cornelia pushed itself to new heights, wowing the judges with some daring food pairings. Although some may think of a goat gouda with coriander as daring in its own right, Cornelia was here to prove it wasn't just another "me-too" cheese. Ushering in the line-up was a rich and herbal Mac n' Cheese spinach pot de crème, playing off the richness of Dorothea's smooth texture, while the zesty, aromatic nature of coriander married with the earthiness of the spinach. Following this was a noisette of veal nestled in a Dorothea-enriched sauce. The final act of Cornelia's road to the championship was when it made the gutsy move to offer itself up with not just three wines, but to showcase its flavor when paired with a wine, beer, and spirit. Judges were bowed over by the versatility Dorothea displayed, as they paired it with a Barossa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, a Belgian Blonde Pale Ale, and a effervescent glass of Chartreuse VEP with tonic.
Tonight small-scale cheese producers everywhere are rejoicing over Cornelia’s precedent-setting victory. Cornelia now carries with it the hopes and dreams of an entire country as it hopes to end its historical run with a Savory 16 championship.
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Second Round Results
 | Heavyweight Bracket: Finals
Comte has been a cheese on a mission this year after last year’s heartbreaking semi-final loss at the hands of longtime rival, Parmigiano Reggiano. This match was as much a psychological battle as a physical one as Comte needed to overcome all the talk that it simply could not beat an Italian grating cheese in a head to head matchup. Comte appeared a bit nervous at the outset as Grana jumped out to an early lead after performing admirably in the salad showcase. Comte played up its nutty flavor in an earthy spinach and pear salad with a topping of shredded Bayonne ham, but it was simply unable to create the same kind of energy Grana showcased with its crowd-pleasing pairing of arugula and balsamic. Both teams scored points during the wine pairing, but Comte was still trailing heading into the kitchen final. The French fans were besides themselves as it appeared that Comte was going to fall yet again to the curds of the Italians. However, this year would be different. Like all great champions, Comte was able to dig down deep and find something extra in the clutch. Comte made the winning play with a gooey, comforting, and warming potato gratin which scored a perfect 10 by all 3 judges. Comte is full of confidence heading to this year’s Final Four as it looks to continue its run to the Savory 16 title. An exceptional day for France, as well as Comte lovers everywhere. |
 | Flavored Bracket: Finals
The pubs and wine bars all around the Savory 16 Stadium were packed to capacity this afternoon to watch the match between Cahill’s with Porter and Brillo Pecorino DiVino. Tensions are running high as these rabid fans have been worked into an alcohol-fueled frenzy. Cahill came out strong hoping to intimidate Brillo from the outset. By pairing itself with a robust imperial stout it simply crushed Brillo’s soft and nuanced pinot noir flavor. However, Brillo has always been a patient competitor and seemed to be quite content to let Cahill expend all its energy in the early going. This strategy reaped great rewards as Cahill's was clearly dragging in the second round. Brillo came back strong, earning a perfect score in a blind food pairing. A third round,10 point bonus for its white asparagus risotto sealed Brillo's spot in the Final Four. Favorite refreshment in hand, Brillo fans took to the streets for a long night of celebrating and betting on tomorrow’s decisive match. |
Reserve Bracket: Finals
Manchego Reserve appeared to have everything going for it headed into the Reserve bracket final. Undefeated in its career against gouda, Manchego also had the advantage of its fervent Spanish supporters as they rang down chants of " Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole " on the judges. Evidently someone forgot to tell Beemster that Manchego was supposed to win because from the opening dip they simply crushed Manchego. In what can only be described as an utter collapse, Manchego failed to win a single competition against Beemster. Beemster’s buttery flavor and melting flexibility simply overwhelmed Manchego leaving Spanish fans stunned and heartbroken. |  |
Robust Bracket: Finals
The flavored bracket championship featured upstart Cornelia against Smokey Blue, this year’s entry from defending champion Rogue creamery. Smokey Blue entered this match as the odds on favorite to advance amongst fans and critics alike. Bucking this trend, Cheese importer Paul Kemp had publicly tipped an upset, professing his admiration for both the small-scale farmhouse from which Cornelia hails, and the unique flavor profiles that Anna Van Dijk creates. Despite strong support on the American side, Smokey Blue found itself fighting an uphill battle against the potent flavor of Cornelia. Smooth, supple, and wonderfully herbaceous, Cornelia laid out show stopping dishes of mac ‘n cheese, beautiful melting ability, and an almost preternatural affinity for Semillon-style, sweet white wines.Cornelia will look to continue its magical run in the tourney as it takes on countryman Beemster Premium in the Final Four.
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First Round Results
 | Heavyweight Bracket: First Round
Living up to the pregame hype, these two longtime rivals waged an epic battle in their opening round match. With each cheese mirroring the other so closely in taste, texture, melting-ability, and aroma, the judges were left with an even split after regulation time. This match would be decided in overtime during a soufflé competition. A grueling test of strength and endurance - both cheeses were required to rise and puff into a delicate, nuanced Gruyere soufflé. After a thrilling regulation game, Gruyere simply had nothing left in the tank during overtime as its soufflé failed to rise to the occasion. Comte appears determined to avenge its Final Four loss from a year ago as it advances to the Elite Eight. |
 | Heavyweight Bracket: First Round
The storyline heading into this matchup was supposed to be the battle of two Italian giants - unfortunately it became about tragedy. The game started off as most expected with Grana Padano taking an early lead as it showcased its grating abilities in soups, salads and pastas. Provolone Piccante bounced back strongly in the hors d’oueuvre round with an antipasto salad that simply blew away the judges. Grana, in a brilliant coaching move, challenged Provolone to a Cheese Roll. Perhaps fueled by stubborn Italian pride, Provolone accepted the challenge and played right into one of Grana’s strengths. Halfway down the hill, Grana and Provolone were neck-and-neck, but on the second ramp Provolone aka “The Torpedo ” turned 45° and landed awkwardly, badly fracturing its wax casing. Rushed to the cheese cellar, Provolone has been reported to be in stable, delicious condition, but tragically won’t be progressing any further in the competition. While this may have been a lucky break for Grana, its next competitor, Gruyere de Comte, is sure to be no pushover.
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 | Flavored Bracket: First Round
After years of controversy over whether “flavored cheeses” truly belonged in the prestigious Savory 16, the committee finally relented in hopes of drawing a younger and hipper audience to the event. Critics have argued that this is no more than a cheap publicity stunt to draw coverage to the Savory 16 . After tonight’s classic inaugural match, few can argue the excitement these flavored cheeses bring to the event. Tonight’s inaugural Flavored Cheese match proved to be a memorable affair, with Basiron Pesto Gouda just barely losing to St. Patrick’s Day favorite Cahill with Porter. After two close rounds, Cahill nudged ahead with a stellar performance in the recipe section, where the judges found Basiron’s pesto inflections a little overwhelming. By contrast, Cahill was surprisingly versatile, and made palates sing atop burgers, grilled sandwiches, and hearty casseroles. Despite the tough loss, Basiron left on the positive note, saying “Just being here gives legitimacy to flavored goudas everywhere.”
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 | Flavored Bracket: First Round
As these Tuscan Titans took the field, the aroma of Boschetto’s white truffles mingled with the sweet, jammy flavors of Brillo’s wine-soaked rind to create an electric atmosphere. Sprawling antipasto platters, insalatas, zuppas, and pastas were the perfect setting for these two cheeses to showcase their talents. With each passing course these cheeses seemed to elevate their game to a whole new level, leaving the judges overwhelmed with the feast of flavors that unfolded before them. This game would end on a controversial “offensive” foul call whistled against Boschetto in the closing seconds of the match. According to one judge, the truffle flavor, though irresistibly delicious, carried too much power during the wine flight pairing. A shock to truffle fans everywhere (as well as legions of gamblers who suspect the judge was paid off), Brillo emerged victorious from the Battle of Tuscany, ready to do battle with the Irish raider Cahill in the next round. Which will prevail: Vino or Porter? Only time will tell...
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Reserve Bracket: First Round
Two legendary cheesemakers, Beemster and Kerrygold, squared off in the opening round of the reserve bracket. Perhaps hoping to catch an opponent unprepared or introduce new flavors to veteran judges these longtime powers in the industry took an unorthodox approach by bringing two new and unproven cheeses to this year’s Big Dance. Beemster jumped out to an early start by dominating both the food-pairing and the melting tests, but watched its lead vanish during the wine-pairing. Ivernia received lavish praise for making a cabernet sing, and smoothing out a slightly spicy shiraz. This match would be decided during the Mac n Cheese battle, always a fan favorite here at the Savory 16. While some judges enjoyed the sharpness of the Ivernia mac, the the buttery, savory-sweet notes of the Beemster proved to be too much to overcome. Beemster will need to pick up its game if it hopes to advance to this year’s Final Four. |  |
Reserve Bracket: First Round
All “reserve” cheeses by nature have endured years of vigorous training but never before has such an aged cheese qualified for the Savory 16 as Quebec 7 Year Cheddar. Many wondered whether Quebec would have anything left in the tank for its matchup with Manchego Reserve. Quebec quickly put any doubts aside by coming out strong in the Accompaniments round. Tasting beautiful with fresh apples, and balancing its natural, cheddary sharpness with a spicy plum chutney, Quebec proved it still had curds of steel. Manchego Reserve went with its long-standing partner of Membrillo, a thick sweet-tart quince paste. In the wine pairing both competitors performed admirably, but it was the food-pairing test that secured Manchego’s victory. A victim of its own strength, Quebec’s bold flavor was perfect on its own but proved overpowering to several judges when added to several dishes. Manchego and its passionate fans are hungry for a Savory 16 title and hope to extend their run in this year’s tourney against mighty Beemster.
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Robust Bracket: First Round
Fans were treated to a great game tonight, as both of these fantastic blues brought their A-game to the opening round of the Big Dance. The match began with the wine pairing, with both cheeses being up to the challenge as they paired wonderfully with Ports, Bordeauxs and hearty Zins. This epic Battle of the Blues continued to dazzle both the judges and crowd alike as they both crumbled wonderfully, adding bold, zesty flavors to salads, steaks, and creamy dips. In a game this tight, sometimes all it takes is a little extra to put you in the winner’s circle. The unmistakable flavor of Smokey Blue, created after being carefully cold-smoked for 18 hours over Oregon hazelnut shells, proved to be the difference. Many questioned Grimmels selection of Smokey Blue in place of last years defending champ Crater Lake Blue, but so far that gamble appears to be paying off. In the next round Smokey will be taking on this years “Cinderella story”, Cornelia, who is riding high after its improbable victory over the much fancied Buche de Chevre
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Robust Bracket: First Round
In one of the most shocking upsets since Pecorino Romano upset Parmigiano Reggiano in 85 ", little known Cornelia stunned goat cheese fans around the world by knocking off perennial power Buche de Chevre. Cornelia made its presence felt right from the opening wine pairing as it went sip for sip in its compatibility with Pinot Noirs and Sauvignon Blanc. Cornelia continued with a full court press after halftime and pulled ahead with an impressive ensemble of food-pairings that showed how well this coriander seed studded gem could make the judges melt. Perhaps feeling the pressure trailing to a huge underdog, Buche attempted to pick up the pace, but a slight slip on the cheese wires only made the French goat fall farther behind. The final nail in Buche’s crate was a last minute, two-point assist Cornelia earned by pushing through with a beautiful breakfast quiche. Suspicions of judge tampering came from the the loyal and vocal French contingent who made the trip across the Atlantic, but the reality was Cornelia was simply the better cheese today. This huge upset gives Cornelia a lot of confidence heading into its next match as it looks to continue its unlikely run in this year’s tourney.
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