Valencay

Technically a cheddar aged for one year, this is one of our 'wow' cheeses. Hard and crumbly, with one of the longest finishes and surprising fruity flavors, this cheese inevitably attracts attention. Have you ever had a goat's milk cheddar? When the (pasteurized) milk ages, it transforms into something entirely sweet and caramelly. Almost like your favorite Gouda with a little bit of crunch, but creamier in the mouth.

This French innovation may look like pudgy brie, but it's actually much creamier. The mild, buttery flavor has a sweetness that goes very well with champagne and fresh fruit. Fromage d'Affinois may remind you of a triple-creme, so loaded it is with silky fat. But that texture is achieved by "ultra filtration" which breaks down the fat molecules in the milk in order to further disperse them through the paste. The result is a thick, nearly whipped spread of tangy, milky goodness.

This famous Italian blue is made from the gently pasteurized morning milk of cows in Lombardy. So thick and rich is the heavy paste, that when pierced to aerate the interior it caves in - thus minimizing oxygen-fueled blue veining within. The resulting flavor is rich, pungent and relatively sweet when considered next to the sturdy, more piquant, though equally notorious Mountain Gorgonzola. Frequently used in Italy in sauces or on fresh bread, but equally superb for dessert with fresh pears, apples and a drizzle of honey. And Moscato, naturally.