Feta (Maplebrook Farm)
- Producer
- Maplebrook Farm
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Vermont
- Size
- Varies
- Weight
- 16 oz
- Website
- www.maplebrookvt.com
- Milk
- Cow
- Classification
- Firm
- Rennet
- Vegetable
- Rind
- None
Maplebrook Farm was founded in 2003 after a chance encounter. Founder, Johann Englert, came across Al Ducci's Groceria in Manchester, Vermont during a visit and when she tasted their mozzarella, it transported her back to her time in Italy during college. Johann immediately bought 20 pieces of the mozzarella since she knew she couldn’t get anything that good in Boston, where she lives. After returning home, she contacted the Al Ducci’s and spoke to the owner’s son, Mike Scheps, who happened to be the cheesemaker and asked him if he could supply her in Boston with the curd to make their own mozzarella. With an answer of yes, the agreement was in place and Maplebrook Farm was born. Today, Maplebrook Farm is a major producer of artisanal cheese on the east coast. It employs around 20 cheesemakers, who are each trained in old world cheesemaking techniques. The Farm sources its rBGH free milk from small family farms throughout Vermont to make their line of mostly Italian cheeses. Mike still is the head cheesemaker for the majority of their cheeses, but as of 2010 now has help from Domenico Marchitelli, who makes the Burrata and Scamorza. Domenico hails from Puglia, Italy, the birthplace of Burrata.
Tasting Notes
The Whole Milk feta produced by Maplebrook Farm is made from cow’s milk rather than the traditional sheep and goat’s milk cheese. By using cow’s milk, this feta has a surprisingly silky texture for a cheese that easily crumbles when cut with a fork. Using sea salt to finish the cheese, ensures a sought after salty punch, which balances the fresh milk flavor of the cheese.
Pairings
This cheese is great served in salads or on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of pepper. With its slightly salty profile, Whole Milk feta with light fruity or off-dry wines such as Pinot Gris and Beaujolais, or earthy reds such as Pinot Noir.
