Crafting Excellence: The Role of Wisconsin Artisan Cheese in the Cheesemaking Industry ~ Renard's Cheese

Wisconsin artisan cheesemaking has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s when European immigrants brought their cherished cheesemaking traditions to America’s Dairyland. Today, Wisconsin continues to craft nearly half of the nation’s specialty cheeses like cheddar, artisan cheese varieties, and the beloved cheese curds. With over 63 years of cheesemaking heritage, Renard’s Cheese has perfected the art of crafting artisan cheeses that blend time-honored traditions with innovative techniques.

At Renard’s Cheese, we believe our artisan cheeses are more than just a product – they are a way of life that celebrates Wisconsin’s cheese culture. From the creamy textures of gruyere to the bold flavors of aged cheddar, our artisan cheeses are handcrafted by licensed Wisconsin cheesemakers who undergo rigorous training to perfect their craft.

What is Artisan Cheese?

At Renard’s Cheese, we define artisan cheese as a product crafted primarily by hand, in small batches, with a strong emphasis on preserving the traditional art of cheesemaking. Our artisan cheeses are made with minimal mechanization, allowing our skilled cheesemakers to meticulously oversee every step of the process.

Definition of Artisan Cheese

Key Characteristics of Artisanality

The American Cheese Society outlines artisan or artisanal cheese as one “produced primarily by hand, in small batches, with particular attention paid to the tradition of the cheesemaker’s art, and thus using as little mechanization as possible in the production of the cheese”. Artisan cheeses can be made from various types of milk, including cow, goat, sheep, or water buffalo, and may incorporate flavorings such as herbs, fruits, spices, and nuts.

True artisan cheeses are distinguished by their small-scale production. The hands-on approach, which includes labor-intensive techniques like forming natural rinds or binding in cloth, allows for better depth of flavor and a unique expression of the farm’s terroir. Additionally, the ability to use unpasteurized milk further enhances the cheese’s distinct character and taste.

Distinction from Farmstead and Processed Cheese

While artisan cheese shares similarities with farmstead cheese, which is made on the farm using milk from the farmer’s own herd or flock, there are key distinctions. Farmstead cheeses are not necessarily made by hand or in small batches, which are defining characteristics of artisan cheese. Furthermore, artisan cheese differs significantly from industrially processed cheeses, which often prioritize mechanization and large-scale production over traditional techniques and flavor development.

By adhering to time-honored methods and prioritizing quality over quantity, Renard’s Cheese ensures that our artisan cheeses embody the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking tradition.

Production Process

At Renard’s Cheese, we take immense pride in our artisan cheesemaking process, meticulously crafting each small batch with time-honored techniques and a deep reverence for tradition.

Traditional Cheesemaking Techniques

Handcrafted in Small Batches: Our artisan cheeses are made primarily by hand, in small batches, incorporating many of the traditional techniques of the art of cheesemaking. This hands-on approach allows our skilled cheesemakers to oversee every step of the process, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Minimal Mechanization: An artisan cheesemaker typically uses no machines and little to no mechanization, preserving the authentic methods passed down through generations. By embracing this traditional approach, we can meticulously control every aspect of the cheesemaking process, from curd formation to aging, resulting in cheeses that truly embody the art of our craft.
Embracing Terroir: Wisconsin cheesemakers have been making artisan cheese for more than 175 years, since before Wisconsin was even a state. Our European immigrant cheesemakers found that the fertile dairy land was perfect for producing the high-quality milk required to make cheese, allowing them to recreate the beloved cheeses of their home countries. We continue this legacy by sourcing the finest local milk, capturing the unique terroir of Wisconsin in every bite.

USE OF NATURAL INGREDIENTS

Small-batch and Handcrafted Methods

At Renard’s Cheese, we believe that the key to exceptional artisan cheese lies in the quality of our ingredients. By using only the finest natural ingredients, our cheeses start their journey at the highest caliber, allowing us to achieve the desired aroma and texture that define true artisanality.

1. Local Flora and Fauna: We embrace the local flora and fauna of Wisconsin, working with the natural microbiological life present in our environment to develop the distinct flavors and characteristics of our cheeses.

2. Raw Milk: Whenever possible, we use raw milk from our trusted dairy partners right here in Door and Kewaunee Counties, preserving the natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria that contribute to the cheese’s unique flavor profile.

Renard’s Cheese embraces the true essence of artisanality by adhering to small-batch and handcrafted methods throughout our production process.

1. Limited Production: Our cheeses are produced in limited quantities, ensuring that each batch receives the utmost care and attention from our skilled cheesemakers.

2. Aging and Ripening: The aging and ripening processes are meticulously monitored, with our cheesemakers carefully tending to each wheel or log, ensuring the flavors develop to their fullest potential.

By adhering to these traditional methods and prioritizing quality over quantity, Renard’s Cheese ensures that our artisan cheeses embody the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking tradition. From the creamy textures of our gruyere to the bold flavors of aged cheddar, every bite is a testament to our unwavering commitment to artisanality.

Benefits of Artisan Cheese

Superior Quality and Flavor

At Renard’s Cheese, we take immense pride in the superior quality and flavor of our artisan cheeses, which are a testament to our unwavering commitment to traditional methods and the finest ingredients. Crafted primarily by hand in small batches, our cheeses receive meticulous attention from our skilled cheesemakers, allowing for a depth of flavor and unique expression of our farm’s terroir that simply cannot be replicated on an industrial scale.

By embracing age-old techniques like forming natural rinds, we imbue our cheeses with unparalleled richness and complexity. Furthermore, our dedication to using only the finest natural ingredients, such as raw milk from our trusted dairy partners and locally sourced flora and fauna, ensures that every bite is a celebration of Wisconsin’s rich cheesemaking heritage.

Preservation of Cheesemaking Traditions

Renard’s Cheese is more than just a producer of exceptional artisan cheeses – we are custodians of a centuries-old tradition that has been passed down through generations of skilled cheesemakers. By adhering to the principles of artisanality, we play a crucial role in preserving the art of cheesemaking and ensuring that these time-honored techniques are not lost to industrialization.

Our commitment to small-batch production and minimal mechanization, allows us to uphold the authentic methods that have defined Wisconsin’s cheesemaking legacy for over 175 years. In doing so, we not only craft exceptional cheeses but also contribute to the preservation of a cultural heritage that is deeply woven into the fabric of our state.

Support for Local Economies

Renard’s Cheese is proud to be a driving force in supporting local economies and fostering a thriving cheesemaking community in Wisconsin. As an artisan producer, we source our ingredients from trusted local dairy partners in Northeast Wisconsin, ensuring that our operations have a direct and positive impact on the livelihoods of nearby farmers and their families.

Furthermore, our collaborative approach to cheesemaking fosters a spirit of innovation and cooperation within the industry. By working alongside fellow artisan cheesemakers, sharing resources, and exchanging ideas, we contribute to the growth and success of the entire Wisconsin cheesemaking community.

Through our commitment to artisanality, Renard’s Cheese not only delivers exceptional products but also plays a vital role in sustaining local economies, preserving cultural traditions, and fostering a vibrant cheesemaking community that continues to shape Wisconsin’s rich culinary landscape.

Renard’s Cheese takes immense pride in our commitment to artisanality, which is deeply ingrained in every aspect of our cheesemaking process. Our artisan cheeses are more than just products; they are a celebration of tradition, quality, and the unique terroir of America’s Dairyland.

As we continue to craft our exceptional artisan cheeses, we remain steadfast in our mission to uphold the authentic methods that have defined Wisconsin’s cheesemaking legacy for over 175 years. By embracing small-batch production and minimal mechanization, Renard’s Cheese plays a vital role in preserving the art of cheesemaking and ensuring that these time-honored techniques are passed down to future generations. We invite you to savor the superior quality and flavor of our artisan cheeses, and experience the true essence of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking tradition in every bite.