Affinage: What Ageing Does to Cheese

Why it caught our eye

Beautifully wrapped in traditional parcel paper, with twine and ink stamps, this new larger edition of the cheese & biscuits through the post contains two of Britain's best cheeses - Godminster's award winning cheddar from the West Country and Caws Cryf from Wales - as well as biscuits for cheese, salted nuts and red onion chutney. The greatest indulgent gift that any self respecting lover of cheese could hope to receive! The letter box gift hamper contains: A personalised card with the recipient's name and your personal message. Godminster’s award-winning vintage Organic Cheddar, made from a unique 70-year-old recipe using milk from their dairy herd on Godminster Farm in Somerset. A truckle of Caws Cryf Cheese. Made in Wales and slightly softer than a cheddar, it is a mature cheese with a lovely texture and mellow rich flavour. Wax wrapped for freshness. All British Cheddar Crackers. Made with freshly grated Wookey Hole cave aged Cheddar, hand baked the West Country.

Why it caught our eye

Seed complementary product for Sipping pairing and basket testing: Cathedral City Extra Mature Cheddar.

Why it caught our eye

Concise Takeaway A Prieto Picudo Reserva aged 24 months in American & French oak, showing dark cherry fruit, deep spice, balsamic lift, and integrated tannins. Powerful, structured, and expressive — a standout Reserva from Zamora. Identity & Origin Producer: Bodegas Otero Region: D.O.P. Valles de Benavente, Benavente (Zamora) Grape: Prieto Picudo (local, high‑acidity, aromatic red variety) Vintage: 2016 Winemaking Harvest: Manual, 20‑kg crates Maceration: 12 days, stainless steel, 25°C, two pump‑overs daily Malolactic: Underground cellar tanks Ageing: 24 months in American & French oak barrels ABV: 14.70% Acidity: 5.09 g/L Residual sugar: 1.90 g/L Volatile acidity: 0.53 g/L Tasting Notes Appearance Dark cherry red with garnet flashes. Aroma Deep dark‑fruit aromas balanced with oak, spice, and subtle balsamic notes. Palate Delicate spice and balsamic tones Good natural acidity Well‑integrated tannins supporting the fruit Structured yet refined, with a long, balanced finish 🏅 Awards Zar

Why it caught our eye

Muga`s standard Reserva is one of Rioja`s most reliable wines, showcasing the family`s traditional approach to winemaking. Fermented in oak vats and aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels from their own cooperage. The 2020 vintage was exceptional in Rioja, producing wines with ripe fruit, structure and freshness. Predominantly Tempranillo with supporting roles from Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Red cherry, strawberry and plum with vanilla, cinnamon and a touch of leather. Medium bodied with smooth tannins and bright acidity keeping everything lifted. The oak is present but not overwhelming, adding spice and texture without masking the fruit. There`s savoury complexity developing already with hints of tobacco and earth. Serve at room temperature (16-18°C). No decanting needed but won`t hurt if you have time. Excellent with tapas, grilled meats, cured ham, aged cheese, or tomato-based dishes. Drinking beautifully now, will continue to develop over 8-10 years.