Elizabeth, New Jersey-based Atalanta has announced Snowdonia Cheese Company’s first vintage cave-aged cheddar, adding to its range of award-winning, contemporary cheeses crafted in the Welsh tradition.
Snowdonia partners exclusively with Atalanta to bring this cheese from North Wales to the U.S. market.
Formed by the family of third-generation dairy farmers, Snowdonia Cheese uses local natural resources to produce its premium, uniquely flavored cheeses. The discovery of a former slate mine buried 500 feet deep in Snowdonia National Park, a protected Dark Sky Reserve, was celebrated by Snowdonia Cheese as the perfect setting for aging this cheddar.
There has been a significant increase in searches for cave-aged and vintage cheese since 2020, highlighting growing interest. The 18-month maturation in sealed slate chambers gives Rock Star Cheddar its depth of flavor, characterized by a savory tang and finishes with a caramel overtone. The smooth, dense texture is punctuated with the occasional crunchy crystal, a highly desirable characteristic of cave-aged cheeses.
“It’s a real labor of love to mature a cheese deep underground in such a remote setting, and for us, it’s worth it,” said Richard Newton-Jones, commercial director at Snowdonia Cheese Co. “The flavor is stunning, and the setting is incredible. It’s a real honor to work with the natural landscape in this way, surrounded by the majestic beauty of Snowdonia.”
Rock Star Cheddar will be available in U.S. markets. The cheese will be available for retail in exact weight 5.3-oz. (150gr).
