"vermont cheese" news and stories

Last week, after writing a post about Tarentais, I thought about another cheese with a similar name: Tarentaise (the "s" is pronounced). These two cheeses can not be any more different. Tarentaise is a cow's milk cheese made at Thistle Hill Farm in Pomfret, Vermont. John and Janine Putnam were inspired by the mountain-style cheeses, such as Beaufort, that are produced in the Tarentaise valley in France.

Tarentaise is an incredibly rich buttery cheese with hints of grass, apricots, and walnuts. While this alpine-style cheese pays tribute to its European ancestors, it stands apart with its unique smooth taste and complex finish. This exceptional American cheese is perfect eaten on its own. Or, you can pair it with a chestnut spread to bring out its nuttiness. Another condiment to pair with Tarentaise is apricot jam which will magnify the fruitiness of the cheese.

Visit Thistle Hill Farm!
Tarentaise is hand crafted by the Putnams on their farm. Even the process of moving the curds is done by hand, using a large cheese cloth, rather than commerical pumps that often harm the curds. Before entering the aging room, Tarentaise goes through a series of molds and turnings. Finally, it enters the aging facility where it matures for 4 to 6 months. The painstaking attention to detail can be tasted in the exquisite end result. To bear witness to this process, visit Thistle Hill Farm in North Pomfret, Vermont. Call them first at (802) 457-9349.