Description
Wyfe of Bath Cheese
About Wyfe of Bath
There aren’t many cheeses named after a woman who had five husbands.
But then the Wyfe of Bath was never exactly a shrinking violet.
Wyfe of Bath is a semi-hard organic cow’s milk cheese made by the Bath Soft Cheese Company at Park Farm near Bath. It’s creamy, buttery and gently nutty, with a distinctive basket-shaped rind that makes it particularly lovely on a cheeseboard.
And despite the name, this is definitely not a cheese that’s all style and no substance.
What’s in a Name?
Wyfe of Bath takes its name from one of the most memorable characters in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
The Wyfe is confident, outspoken, independent and very happy to share her opinions on marriage — which, having had five husbands, she feels particularly qualified to do.
It’s a wonderfully British name for a wonderfully British cheese.
The cheese itself is made using organic cow’s milk from the farm’s own herd. The curds are pressed into traditional basket moulds, which leave that lovely woven pattern around the outside, before the cheeses are matured until they develop their characteristic smooth texture and mellow, savoury flavour.
It’s not an ancient cheese despite its medieval namesake, but it feels very much at home in the Somerset countryside.
Wyfe of Bath – Jen’s Tasting Notes
Wyfe of Bath is one of those cheeses that doesn’t need to shout to get your attention.
The texture is smooth, supple and beautifully creamy, with a gentle buttery richness as it melts in the mouth. I usually find a little sweetness at first, followed by nutty, savoury flavours and a gentle tang.
There can be grassy and slightly earthy notes too, and as the cheese matures those savoury flavours become more pronounced.
It’s full of flavour without being overpowering, which makes it a really useful cheese on a cheeseboard — particularly if you’re trying to please several different people.
Although, given the woman it’s named after, I’m not entirely sure pleasing everyone was ever part of the brief.
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 really like Pinot Noir with Wyfe of Bath. There’s enough fruit and acidity to balance the buttery cheese without overwhelming its more delicate flavours.
- Something a little different: An English cider is a lovely match. I’d choose something dry or medium-dry, so you get plenty of apple fruit alongside that creamy, nutty cheese.
- On the plate: Keep it simple with a few walnuts or almonds, some crisp apple and a good cracker. There’s plenty going on in the cheese already.
- In the kitchen: I could give you a lovely recipe involving Wyfe of Bath, but the truth is that I’m far more likely to cut myself a slice and eat it while I’m cooking something else. Surely that counts as using it in the kitchen?
Jen’s note: Chaucer’s Wyfe of Bath is famous for having a prologue that’s longer than her actual tale. Given that she’s opinionated, outspoken and has plenty to say for herself, I can’t help feeling that this is entirely appropriate.
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
