Blakesville Creamery has crafted yet another culinary masterpiece with their Pecuri In I Vigne, a delightful sheep’s milk cheese wrapped in muscat-soaked grape leaves. This cheese is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it the jewel of any cheese board.
Blakesville Creamery, primarily known for its goat cheese, has ventured into sheep’s milk under the expert guidance of head cheesemaker Veronica Pedraza. Veronica, inspired by European traditions and a striking image of vineyard workers grilling grape leaf-wrapped cheese, decided to create this unique wheel. Pecuri In I Vigne, which translates from Italian to “sheep in the vineyard,” embodies her inspiration perfectly.
The process begins with fresh, fluffy, lactic-set sheep’s milk cheese, known for its yogurt-like tang and high acidity. This delicate cheese is carefully hand-wrapped in grape leaves soaked in Antoine Arena's Corsican muscat wine. The wrapped cheese is then vacuum-sealed and left to marinate, allowing the wine’s sweet floral notes to infuse each wheel fully.
The result is a silky, fatty, and delicate cheese with a subtle sweetness from the muscat. The cheese continues to improve over several weeks, with its texture softening and flavors deepening as the wine seeps into the interior. Pecuri In I Vigne is versatile, perfect for enjoying on its own or grilled for a delightful summer snack. Its distinctive preparation and flavor profile make it an exceptional addition to any table.