Set up in 2005, with a viewing galley and excellent café, Te Mata Cheese makes a range of soft and blue cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk cheeses. Included among these is Irongate, based loosely on Pont l’Évéque.
Cheese size
In the lower right corner of the displayed image, there is a symbol. This symbol provides an at-a-glance visual guide to the approximate size of the cheese in relation to an average-sized hand. When a cheese has its size listed as “various,” the symbol indicates the size of the cheese photographed. Where the symbol is missing, the sizing information was unavailable, or the cheese is soft and sold in tubs or pots.
Tasting notes of this cheese
A washed rind with white penicillium mold, it is more flavorful than most New Zealand Bries, but milder than typical washed cheeses. It is best when extra soft, russet-rinded, rich, smooth, and slightly smelly.
How to enjoy
Serve with crusty bread and slices of apple and pear, or melt with fried onions. Try with apple or pear cider or even Calvados.
| NEW ZEALAND | Havelock North, Hawkes Bay |
| Age | 6–10 weeks |
| Weight and Shape | 3 lb (1.3kg), square |
| Size | D. 7 1⁄2 in (19cm), H. 1 in (3cm) |
| Milk | Cow |
| Classification | Semi-soft |
| Producer | Te Mata Cheese |