Description
Wyfe of Bath Cheese
About Wyfe of Bath
Wyfe of Bath cheese is a relatively new addition to the world of cheese. Not only is it a beautifully crafted cheese, but it also has a compelling backstory. The cheese honours the Wyfe of Bath from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and it is bold, confident, and vibrant, much like its namesake.
The Story Behind The Name
The Wyfe of Bath is quite the character in Chaucer’s tales; colourful, outspoken, and never afraid to speak her mind. She has been widowed five times and has plenty of stories to tell, championing independence with wit, wisdom, and mischief. The cheese that bears her name aims to capture that richness and confidence, adding complexity.
This cheese is made by the Bath Cheese Company, a small producer dedicated to crafting bold, interesting cheeses. They rely on traditional methods and local ingredients, so each slice reflects the region’s character.
Wyfe of Bath – Jen’s Tasting Notes
This cheese is a fitting tribute to Chaucer’s famous character. It has a complex flavour profile that balances mild sweetness with savoury, tangy undertones. The initial taste is rich and smooth, with a delicate creaminess that coats the palate. I often pick up floral and grassy notes, reflecting the lush pastures the cows graze on. That’s the advantage of using fresh, local milk: you can truly taste the region. The more you eat, the more you’ll notice more nuanced flavours; slightly nutty, earthy notes that become more pronounced as the cheese matures. These deeper flavours make it a cheese that develops over time, much like the character of the Wyfe of Bath herself, who becomes more layered and complex the more you understand her.
How to Serve and Pair Wyfe of Bath
- Make sure you take it out of the fridge a good hour before you want to eat it so it can come up to room temperature.
- Classic pairings: I love a Pinot Noir with this cheese. It offers a light acidity that balances the cheese’s richness.
- Something a little different: If you’re not into wine, a dry or medium-dry English cider pairs nicely thanks to its crispness and slight fruitiness, which offset the cheese’s smoothness.
- On the plate: The cheese’s creamy texture pairs well with walnuts or almonds, offering a satisfying crunchy contrast to its smoothness.
- In the kitchen: I love to grab a slice to enjoy whilst I’m cooking rather than cooking with the cheese itself!
Jen’s note: Chaucer’s Wyfe of Bath is famous for the fact that the tale’s prologue is longer than the tale itself!
Buying Wyfe of Bath
- Brand or Producer: The Bath Cheese Company
- Product name: Wyfe of Bath
- Milk: Cow
- Country: England
- Region: Nr Bath
- Strength: Medium
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Suitable for pregnancy: Yes
- Allergens: MILK
Sizes and Prices
- 100g wedge, £4.25
- 500g wedge, £21.25
- Whole cheese (approx. 3kg), available to order
Storage Advice
- Keep refrigerated
- Wrap in waxed paper or cling film
- Remove from the fridge before serving
- Consume within 10 to 14 days of opening
Delivery and Collection
- UK wide courier delivery
- Click and collect from our Pangbourne shop
- Free local delivery available for selected postcodes
Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)
MILK, salt, starter cultures, rennet
