THE WAIT IS OVER! We are excited to announce the release of the 2016 Rogue River Blue cheese just in time for the Autumnal Equinox Celebration on 9/22. It is a fine year for Rogue River Blue, featuring excellent blue development in the creamy paste and a robust, meaty taste with exceptional elements of the blackberry fruit, toasted nut and hazelnut flavors for which this cheese is known. To add to this remarkable make year we have used only milk from our own dairy during the Rogue River Blue make period. As always, the Rogue Creamery team and community hand – picked leaves at a local biodynamic organic vineyard called Cowhorn. This change allows us to transition Rogue River Blue to organic by Fall 2017.
The coming of fall represents a period of slowing down and celebrating the change of seasons with family and friends. For us at Rogue Creamery, it also means the seasonal release of our award winning cheese. Rogue River Blue is produced at the turning of the season, made with late-season milk produced after the autumnal equinox. At this time, our cows graze on grasses renewed by cooler temperatures and make milk that is richer and higher in butterfat. It is this special milk, reflective of the unique seasonal influences of the Rogue River Valley, which is the very essence of terroir. Our Rogue River Blue represents the special nature of our region: the soil, the climate and the interaction of herd and pasture. We take great pride in the affinage of Rogue River Blue; each 5 lb. wheel is aged from 8 -12 months. It is indeed a time to reflect and honor the earth and our community.
This year the Autumnal Equinox falls on September 22nd at exactly 7:21 am PDT. On this day and again in the spring the Earth’s axis makes the night time equal to the daytime which means approximately 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night. For centuries cultures worldwide have celebrated this time of year by honoring abundance, balance, conservation and reflection. For our Autumnal Equinox Celebration, we choose to look towards these virtues to plan our fall party. Certainly our Rogue River Blue took center stage with late summer and early fall fruits and veggies also playing a starring role. We hope you’ll take the time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy a warm and renewing fall season.
ROGUE CREAMERY FAVORITE PAIRING SUGGESTIONS FOR ROGUE RIVER BLUE
- Oregon Pinot Noir such as Evesham Wood or Cameron, both biodynamic,
- Viognier by Cowhorn Vineyards
- Petite Syrah
- American dessert wine such as a Riesling or Bordeaux style
- Aged Sherry with coffee notes
- Sake with cherry blossoms from Yamabuki
- Imperial Chocolate Stout by Rogue Ales
- Overcast Stout by Oakshire
- Organic espresso blend such as Rogue Valley Roasting and Smith Teas Big Hibiscus and Lord Bergamot for a hybrid pairing experience
For ideas to host your own Rogue Creamery style Autumnal Equinox Party log onto roguecreamery.com for recipes and additional party plans. We hope to see your cheese plate displays and cheese recipes on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumbler.
Rogue River Blue Awards -for more info and a complete award list go to roguecreamery.com
- 1st Place Gold Blue Veined Cheese -2015 United States Championship Cheese Contest
- Super Gold Award – Best American Cheese -2012 World Cheese Awards, Birmingham, England
- Best in Show -2011 American Cheese Society Competition and Judging, Montreal, CN
- Best in Show -2009 American Cheese Society Competition and Judging, Austin, TX
- Best Blue Cheese in the World and Best American Cheese – 2003 World Cheese Awards, London, UK
Source: Rogue Creamery
