PLYMOUTH, Wis. — Sartori Master Cheesemaker, Mike Matucheski, was crowned "Grand Master Cheese Maker" at the 2014 Wisconsin State Fair Cheese & Butter Auction with Sartori Reserve Chai BellaVitano® being recognized as the Grand Champion. This is Sartori's third year in a row receiving top honors at the competition, including a 2013 Grand Champion for Sartori Classic Asiago and a 2012 Grand Champion for Sartori Limited Edition Pastorale Blend®.
Since 2009, Matucheski has received Grand Master Recognition four times. "Mike's a true artist and cheese making is his passion. He's well versed in different flavors and how they'll impact a piece of cheese when added to the rind. With our Chai BellaVitano, Mike tried all sorts of different chai mixtures before he found the perfect blend," states Pat Mugan, Sartori Vice President of Research and Development.
Prior to Mike becoming a Cheesemaker, he was a self-employed farmer, specializing in organic herbs, hops and vegetables. "Cheese making takes a lot of practice and skill. You've got to have that knack for both the science part and the art. Having a background in herbs and beer has really expanded my creativity to craft new and unique cheeses for Sartori," states Mike. Since 1995, Mike has been making cheese in Antigo, Wis. and in 2011 he received his Master Cheesemaker certification in the production of Asiago and Parmesan. He's currently studying for a second certification in Fontina and Romano. As a result of his continued fascination with all things cheese, Mike has won various awards at the U.S., Wisconsin, and World cheese contests.
Sartori was awarded 5 ribbons in total at this year's competition including a Blue Ribbon for the ultimate Grand Champion Chai BellaVitano. Sartori's Rosemary and Olive Oil Asiago and Extra-Aged Goat received second place awards while Classic Asiago and Espresso BellaVitano took home third place finishes.
This year's Grand Champion, Chai BellaVitano, led off the cheese and butter auction with a winning bid of $1,500 to Ivarson Inc. of Milwaukee, WI. All funds were raised for student scholarships and dairy promotions at the Wisconsin State Fair. Sartori Chai BellaVitano, as well as the entire Sartori line, is available at specialty cheese shops throughout the United States and available for purchase online at sartoricheese.com.
About Sartori
Sartori has been producing artisan and premium cheese for seven decades for Specialty, Retail, Ingredient, Restaurant and Food Service markets. Based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Sartori has an impressive array of award winning cheese noted for innovative approaches and consistent top quality across their entire line. For more information, please visit www.sartoricheese.com or call us directly at 800-558-5888.
Source: Sartori
