£3.40 – £20.40
A rich savoury cheese made on the edge of the New Forest. Old Winchester is often thought of as an English, vegetarian alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano. It is matured for 18 months during which time is develops a deep fruity, nutty flavour and a crystalline texture.
The crystals that appear in the Old Winchester form naturally during the maturation period of the cheese. Water is lost from the cheese during the ageing process which causes the calcium lactate to become more concentrated and these crystals can form. They are a completely natural by-product of cheesemaking and are totally harmless when eaten.
Mike Smales of Lyburn Farm has been a tenant farmer since 1952. His farm is situated in Hampshire on the edge of the New Forest. He originally began making cheese in 1999 as a way to add value to his cows’ milk but now makes 1.5 tons a week! Old Winchester is his flagship cheese and it is a real winner with our customers. His Smoked Winchester and Stoney Cross also feature in our counter. We love all three of his cheeses that we sell. Mike is a true institution in the cheese world. He is the go-to man for any aspiring cheesemakers and he is always quick to share his knowledge and ideas. We get deliveries from Mike every few weeks and it is always so interesting hearing his views on cheese!
Old Winchester is perfect for grating over pasta dishes but it is equally good on a cheeseboard with an accompanying glass of bitter.
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
MILK, salt, starter cultures, vegetarian rennet. May contain traces of EGG.
