Explore Tenuta’s Deli Cheese Glossary: Italian, Wisconsin, and More
January 16, 2025
When you think of cheese, Wisconsin comes to mind—it’s the Cheese State for a reason! At Tenuta’s Deli, located in the heart of Kenosha, Wisconsin, we take immense pride in offering an unmatched selection of cheeses, spanning traditional Italian varieties and locally made Wisconsin favorites. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just exploring the culinary world of cheese, Tenuta’s is your one-stop shop for everything cheesy.
Cheese Glossary: Italian Classics, Wisconsin Favorites, and More
To help you navigate our impressive collection, we’ve created a glossary of our cheeses, complete with descriptions and pairing suggestions. From the sharp nuttiness of Parmigiano Reggiano to the creamy indulgence of Burrata, here’s what you’ll find at Tenuta’s:
Italian Classics
Description: A rich, tangy, and semi-hard Italian cheese with a sharp bite.
Pairing: Serve with fruit preserves or honey.
Description: A creamy Sardinian cheese with a mild, buttery flavor.
Pairing: Pair with light white wines or crackers.
Description: Made from water buffalo milk, it’s creamy, soft, and slightly tangy.
Pairing: Enjoy in Caprese salads or atop fresh pizza.
Description: A fresh cheese with a creamy center and soft mozzarella shell.
Pairing: Drizzle with olive oil and pair with heirloom tomatoes.
Description: A stretched-curd cheese with a mild, salty flavor and smooth texture.
Pairing: Great for grilling or shaving over salads.
Description: A firmer relative of mozzarella, with a slightly smoky flavor.
Pairing: Ideal for melting on pizzas or paninis.
Description: A semi-hard, basket-aged cheese with a crumbly texture and tangy flavor.
Pairing: Enjoy with olives and crusty bread.
Description: A buttery Italian cheese encased in wax for a smooth, rich flavor.
Pairing: Spread on warm bread or crackers.
Description: Known as the “King of Cheeses,” Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese with a nutty, umami flavor.
Pairing: Grate over pasta, enjoy with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or pair with red wine.
Description: A hard, nutty cheese with a dense texture, similar to Parmigiano.
Pairing: Enjoy with pears or sparkling wine.
Description: A young sheep’s milk cheese with a salty, fresh flavor.
Pairing: Enjoy with tomatoes or olive oil.
Description: A semi-hard cheese with a mild to sharp flavor, depending on its age.
Pairing: Perfect in sandwiches, melted over meats, or enjoyed with crusty bread.
Description: A soft, creamy cheese with a mild, sweet flavor.
Pairing: Use in lasagna, desserts, or as a spread on toast.
Description: A creamy Italian cheese with subtle nutty notes.
Pairing: Serve with honey or figs.
Description: A firmer relative of mozzarella, with a slightly smoky flavor.
Pairing: Ideal for melting on pizzas or paninis.
Description: A creamy, stringy cheese made from mozzarella and cream.
Pairing: Serve atop crostini or fresh tomatoes.
Description: A washed-rind cheese with a soft texture and tangy, earthy flavor.
Pairing: Pair with crusty bread and a bold red wine.
International Specialty
Description: A Swiss-style cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Pairing: Pair with ham and rye bread for a classic sandwich.
Description: A Swiss cheese with a firm texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Pairing: Perfect for fondue, quiches, or melting atop French onion soup.
Description: A firm, grillable cheese with a salty, savory flavor.
Pairing: Grill and serve with lemon or fresh herbs.
Description: A semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor, popular in Mediterranean cuisine.
Pairing: Slice for charcuterie boards or melt into baked dishes.
Description: A semi-hard Greek cheese with a slightly tangy, buttery taste.
Pairing: Use in casseroles or enjoy with olives.
Description: A Greek hard cheese with a salty, nutty flavor.
Pairing: Use in Saganaki or grated over pasta.
Description: A Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, with a nutty, tangy flavor.
Pairing: Pair with quince paste and Rioja wine.
Description: A Greek cheese with a firm texture and salty, tangy flavor.
Pairing: Grate over pasta or enjoy with fresh fruit.
Description: A semi-soft French cheese with a mild, creamy flavor.
Pairing: Pair with light red wines or fresh fruit.
Description: A semi-hard cheese with a creamy, nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
Pairing: Melt over potatoes, bread, or charcuterie for a cozy indulgence.
Description: A firm, nutty cheese from sheep’s milk.
Pairing: Grate over soups or enjoy with roasted nuts.
Description: A rich, crumbly blue cheese with a tangy flavor.
Pairing: Pair with port wine or use in salads.
The Brands Behind the Cheeses
At Tenuta’s, we work with a curated selection of top cheese makers from around the world and right here in Wisconsin. Each brand brings its own craftsmanship, tradition, and unique flavor profiles to our deli. Here’s a look at the names behind the exceptional cheeses you’ll find in our store:
Imported Cheese Makers
These world-renowned cheese makers bring international flavors to your table.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers
We’re proud to support local Wisconsin cheese makers who continue the state’s legacy of excellence.
Other Notable Brands
We also stock beloved brands from across the country and around the world.
Visit Tenuta’s Deli Today
At Tenuta’s Deli, we combine Wisconsin’s cheese heritage with global flavors to create a cheese selection like no other. Come in today to explore these exceptional brands, try a sample, and find your next favorite cheese!
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