by Sophia Stern
Why we love the cheese
Wrångebäck is a true fan favorite and the only cheese in our case to come from Sweden. This alpine-esque cheese features an addictively creamy texture and a surprisingly zippy flavor bursting with umami. Not only is Wrångebäck the perfect cheese for snacking or melting (burger season, anyone?), but it’s also Sweden’s most historic cheese and the folks at Almnäs Bruk are keeping its history alive.
Why we love the cheesemakers
Almnäs Bruk is a thriving farm and historic estate with extraordinary respect for the land. Their land is maintained with care for the species that call the farm home. Grasses are allowed to grow tall so birds can nest and thrive. Cows eat feed made from the pasture they graze on and enjoy changing landscapes, from open fields to ancient forests. The cattle breeds are varied and unique, some rare and saved from extinction by the Almnäs Bruk team. When it comes to Wrångebäck, the cheesemakers preserve their hard-won terroir by thermalizing the milk, instead of pasteurizing, saving the microorganisms that make Wrångebäck so unique and delicious. To hear the makers themselves talk about the magic of cheesemaking in West Sweden, join our class next week!
Why we love the wine
I could (and do) drink Lambrusco all year long, but it is especially excellent in the summer. Lini Lambrusco is delightfully cheerful, with notes of blueberries, cherries, and balsamic. This sparkling red, chilled and crisp in flavor, gives you enough complexity while keeping you refreshed in the Minnesota summer sun.
Why we love the pairing
Wrångebäck is a flavorful, rich cheese so any pairing needs depth and body to stand up to this Swedish gem. Lini Lambrusco has both, with the lightly frothy bubbles balancing Wrångebäck’s melt-in-your-mouth texture, without wiping the flavors away. In fact, the wine’s notes of blueberry jam and balsamic vinegar highlight and balance the savory, salty flavor of the cheese.
What else you should do with it
Melt it! Mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandos, or better yet use Wrångebäck on your cheeseburgers. The beef-broth flavor in the cheese complements the flavors of a classic burger, and Lambrusco is the perfect wine to enjoy both while you grill and while you eat.