Product Reviews and Ratings - Vermont - Tarentaise from igourmet

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(based on 3 ratings)

Located in: 50 States of Cheese, Vermont

Thistle Hill Farm Tarentaise is an aged, raw-milk, organic cheese handmade by John and Janine Putnam on their family farm in North Pomfret, Vermont. This artisan cheese is made using a copper cheese vat in the tradition of the Beaufort and Abondance cheeses of the Tarentaise Valley in the Savoie region of the French Alps. The copper vat, essential to developing the proper flavor, is the only one in Vermont and one of only a few in the United States. Made using imported French cultures to mature the curds, the Putnam's follow the traditional Savoie process of making their own rennet, using the whey from the previous cheesemaking. Much in the same way bakers use a sourdough starter, this traditional rennet gives a complexity of flavor to the cheese which cannot otherwise be created.

Aged for six months, Tarentaise develops a unique and complex flavor. It is as unadulterated a cheese as you will find. The imported French cultures impart flavor and texture, while the traditional rennet provides structure and further complexity to its flavor. Tarentaise has no added preservatives, synthetic flavors or additives. No herbs are used to hide its flavor, and no waxes or plastics simplify its aging process. While Tarentaise is modeled after the Beaufort and Abondance cheeses of France, both known as among the finest cheeses of the world, Tarentaise is unique to North Pomfret Vermont's terrior. The soil, geography, climate and flora in Vermont give Tarentaise its characteristic smooth, subtle nut flavor and complex finish.

Awarded 2nd Place in the American Cheese Society 2007 Awards in the Farmstead Cheeses: Aged over 90 Days category.

Made from raw cow's milk.
Photo depicts whole 20 lb. form of cheese.
We cut and wrap this item by the 1/2 pound.
Please contact us if you would like to purchase the whole form.

More information for the Tarentaise

Review Snapshot®

Avg. Customer Rating:

4.3 stars

(based on 3 reviews)

67% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Cheesemakers opinion

By John the cheesemaker

from Pomfret, Vermont on 12/22/2009

Gift:

Pros:

Complex, Firm, Nutty, Subtle

Cons:

Expensive

Best Uses:

After Dinner, Fondue, Gifts, Hors d'oeuvre, Melted, Salads, Sandwiches

Describe Yourself:

Cheesemaker, Foodie, Health Conscious

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Tarentaise:

I saw a former comment that must have been about a different cheese. Why would anyone aspire to green cheese?
Tarentaise is butterscotch yellow from the grass fed, organic Jersey milk. The carotenes including the omega 3's give it the color.
It is an extraordinarily complex cheese, which like a fine wine, opens up with proper temperature and air. This cheese is unique in this country. It can pair with a nice Pinot, Champagne or tawny port.
It cooks very nicely and will make a great fondue. If bulk is needed, mix in an inexpensive European Gruyere.

nothing really to speak of

By dendelacroix

from west virginia on 10/23/2007

Pros:

Delicate, Firm, Smooth

Best Uses:

In recipes

Describe Yourself:

Cheese lover and cook

Bottom Line:

No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Tarentaise:

it is not the delicate green that it appears in the picture. that's what caught my attention on the website. but it's just yellowish-white. it's not bad but it really has no noticeable flavor. i ended up using it in a spread with other more flavorful cheeses just so not to waste it.

Wonderful taste

By NYC777

from Syosset, NY on 2/22/2007

Pros:

High Quality

Cons:

Expensive

Best Uses:

Anytime

Bottom Line:

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Tarentaise:

Great cheese. [...]

Customer Reviews about the Tarentaise at igourmet