Hey cheese lovers, gather 'round! The World Cheese Awards 2021 have wrapped up, and boy, oh boy, did they bring us some incredible news from the dairy world. This event is basically the Olympics of Cheese, where cheesemongers, cheesemakers, and cheese aficionados from all over the globe come together to celebrate and compete for the ultimate cheesy glory. In 2021, the competition was fiercer than ever, with a record-breaking number of entries vying for those coveted gold, silver, and bronze medals, not to mention the ultimate Super Gold prize. So, if you're wondering who took home the crown and what cheeses are now officially the best in the world according to this prestigious panel of judges, you've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the results of the World Cheese Awards 2021, uncovering the champions and highlighting some of the standout stars that made this year's competition a true testament to the art and craft of cheesemaking. Get ready to have your taste buds tingling as we explore the winning cheeses and the stories behind them. This is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of dedication, passion, and the sheer deliciousness that can come from milk, rennet, and a whole lot of expertise. Let's get into it, shall we? Prepare yourselves for a journey through the finest flavors the cheese world has to offer.

Unveiling the Super Gold Champions of 2021

Alright guys, let's cut to the chase: the Super Gold category at the World Cheese Awards 2021 is where the real magic happens. This is the pinnacle, the absolute best of the best, where a select group of cheeses that have already won their category gold medals go head-to-head (or should I say, rind-to-rind?) for the ultimate title. The judges, a seriously discerning bunch of experts, taste their way through these elite contenders, looking for that perfect balance of flavor, aroma, texture, and overall excellence. In 2021, the competition for Super Gold was incredibly intense, showcasing a remarkable diversity of styles and origins. It's not just about being good; it's about being extraordinary, pushing the boundaries of what cheese can be, and delivering an unforgettable sensory experience. The journey to Super Gold is long and arduous, involving meticulous cheesemaking, careful aging, and a deep understanding of the raw ingredients. When a cheese achieves this status, it's a monumental accomplishment, recognized globally as a masterpiece. We saw some truly astonishing cheeses emerge from this process, representing different countries and traditions, proving that great cheese knows no borders. The sheer variety that makes it to this final stage is a testament to the richness and depth of the global cheese landscape. Each Super Gold winner isn't just a product; it's a story of heritage, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection. You can bet your bottom dollar that any cheese reaching this level is worth seeking out, a true adventure for your palate, and a benchmark for all other cheeses.

The ultimate crown at the 2021 awards was bestowed upon a truly magnificent cheese that captured the judges' hearts and taste buds. This year's overall champion, the Supreme Champion, was a Gorgonzola Dolce DOP from Italy, crafted by Arrivabene S.r.l. (Allevatori' Valle Camonica). Seriously, can you imagine? A creamy, dreamy Gorgonzola taking the top spot! This wasn't just any Gorgonzola; it was a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication that goes into producing exceptional Italian blue cheese. Its rich, complex flavor profile, balanced sweetness, and velvety texture clearly won over the judges. This win is a huge deal for Italian cheesemaking and highlights the enduring appeal of traditional, high-quality blue cheeses. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most celebrated flavors are those rooted in history and perfected over generations. This particular Gorgonzola Dolce DOP proved that even well-established styles can reach new heights of excellence when made with passion and precision. The judges specifically praised its harmonious blend of pungent notes and sweet undertones, a delicate dance on the palate that left a lasting impression. It’s a cheese that speaks volumes about its terroir and the skill of the artisans who produced it, making it a truly deserving winner of the highest accolade in the cheese world.

But the Super Gold accolades didn't stop there! Several other cheeses reached this elite status, each representing the peak of their kind. Among the stars were:

• Gorwydd Caerphilly from the UK, a beautiful farmhouse cheese that showcases the traditional Welsh cheesemaking heritage. Its crumbly texture and tangy, earthy notes are simply divine.
• Charollais from France, a goat's milk cheese that impressed with its delicate flavor and creamy consistency. It’s a true embodiment of French artisanal cheese.
• Le Marquis, another French gem, this time a hard sheep's milk cheese that offered a robust and nutty profile, aged to perfection.
• Kareish, an Egyptian cheese, which surprisingly made it to the Super Gold list, demonstrating the incredible diversity and quality emerging from different corners of the globe. This shows that amazing cheese can come from anywhere!
• Brie de Meaux AOP, a classic French soft cheese, reaffirming its legendary status with its rich, buttery flavor and bloomy rind.
• Gruyère AOP Réserve from Switzerland, a testament to Swiss precision, delivering those signature nutty and slightly sweet notes with a firm texture.
• Comte AOP Saint-Antoine, another outstanding Swiss cheese, known for its complex flavors that develop beautifully with age.

These Super Gold winners are the crème de la crème, the cheeses that every cheese enthusiast should absolutely try. They represent the highest standards of quality, flavor, and craftsmanship in the international cheese community. Each one tells a story of its origin, its makers, and the unique environment that contributed to its creation. Securing a Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards is not just an award; it's a global endorsement of excellence that resonates with consumers and industry professionals alike. It’s a shining example of what dedication, tradition, and innovation can achieve in the world of cheese.

Gold Medal Winners: A Taste of Excellence

Beyond the dazzling Super Gold winners, the World Cheese Awards 2021 saw a multitude of cheeses earning Gold medals. These awards signify exceptional quality and are a massive achievement in themselves. Guys, this means these cheeses are seriously top-notch, standing out amongst thousands of entries. The gold medalists represent a broad spectrum of cheese types, from hard, aged cheddars to soft, bloomy rinds, and everything in between. Each gold medal winner has demonstrated a superior standard in taste, texture, appearance, and aroma, impressing a panel of highly respected international judges. These are the cheeses that you'll want to be adding to your cheeseboard immediately. Think about the dedication and skill involved in producing a cheese that garners such high praise. It speaks volumes about the cheesemakers' commitment to their craft, their understanding of milk quality, and their mastery of aging processes. The sheer volume of gold medals awarded also highlights the incredible depth and breadth of the global cheese industry, with producers from numerous countries showcasing their finest creations. It’s a testament to the passion and innovation that drives the world of cheese forward, ensuring that we, the consumers, have access to an ever-expanding array of delicious options. Exploring the gold medal winners is like embarking on a culinary treasure hunt, discovering hidden gems and reaffirming your love for classic favorites that have achieved peak perfection.

We saw fantastic gold medals awarded across various categories and countries. For instance, the UK shone brightly with numerous gold-winning cheddars, including some exceptional aged varieties that offered complex, crystalline textures and deep, savory flavors. France continued its dominance with superb examples of soft cheeses like Camembert and various regional specialties, alongside impressive hard cheeses from the Alpine regions. Italy celebrated its rich dairy heritage with golds for Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, and of course, more exquisite blue cheeses. Switzerland was, as expected, a powerhouse in the hard cheese category, with Gruyère and Emmental variations earning well-deserved accolades. But it wasn't just the usual suspects; countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and even the USA presented outstanding cheeses that secured gold, showcasing a truly global competition. For example, Spanish Manchego styles were recognized for their characteristic nutty and slightly fruity notes, while Dutch Gouda variations demonstrated their versatility and aging potential. American artisanal cheesemakers are increasingly making their mark, with several innovative cheeses receiving gold, proving that the US is a major player in the global cheese scene. The diversity of milk types – cow, goat, sheep, and even buffalo – represented among the gold medalists further underscores the richness of the cheese world. Each gold medal signifies a unique journey from farm to table, highlighting sustainable practices, local traditions, and the pure joy of creating something delicious. So, when you see that gold medal sticker, you know you're looking at a cheese that has passed the ultimate test of quality and flavor. It's a badge of honor that guarantees a remarkable tasting experience for anyone lucky enough to indulge.

Notable Gold Medal Winners and Their Stories

While it's impossible to list every single gold medalist, let's highlight a few that really caught our attention at the World Cheese Awards 2021. These stories often reveal the passion and innovation behind the cheese. Take, for instance, the Isle of Wight Blue from the UK. This creamy, veined cheese has consistently performed well in competitions, and its gold medal in 2021 was a testament to its enduring quality and distinctive character. It’s a beautiful example of how British cheesemaking is thriving.

Then there were the incredible entries from Vermont Creamery in the USA. They secured gold for their Bonnechere, a washed-rind, bloomy-rind cow's milk cheese that blends lactic tang with savory, nutty notes. This award highlights the rise of American artisanal cheesemakers pushing boundaries and gaining international recognition. Their commitment to quality and unique flavor profiles is truly inspiring.

France's Fromagerie Beillevaire also had a strong showing, with several of their goat and cow's milk cheeses earning gold. Their dedication to traditional methods and sourcing the finest milk shines through in every bite. A particular standout was their Herve, a washed-rind cheese known for its pungent aroma and complex, savory taste – definitely for the more adventurous palate!

From the Netherlands, De Producent impressed with their traditional Gouda varieties. Winning gold for these aged Goudas, with their crunchy crystals and deep caramel notes, shows that classic cheeses, when made exceptionally well, can still conquer the international stage. It’s all about the quality of the milk and the patience of the aging process.

And let's not forget the stunning sheep's milk cheeses. From Salumi from the USA received a gold for their Sheeps Milk Ricotta. This is quite an achievement, as ricotta is often seen as a simpler cheese, but this demonstrates that even familiar forms can be elevated to award-winning status through superior ingredients and technique.

These are just a handful of examples, guys. The list of gold medal winners is a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore the best cheeses the world has to offer. Each medal represents a commitment to excellence, a deep connection to terroir, and a dedication to the art of cheesemaking. When you pick up a cheese with a gold medal from this competition, you're not just buying food; you're investing in a piece of culinary artistry that has been recognized on a global scale. It’s a fantastic way to discover new favorites and appreciate the incredible diversity and quality present in the world of cheese today. So, next time you're at the cheese counter, keep an eye out for these award-winning gems!

The Broader Impact and Looking Ahead

The World Cheese Awards 2021 results are more than just a list of winners; they represent a significant moment for the global dairy industry. These awards serve as a crucial benchmark for quality, innovation, and tradition in cheesemaking. For the winning producers, a medal from this competition is invaluable, providing international recognition, boosting sales, and affirming their dedication to their craft. It’s a massive marketing coup and a source of immense pride. For consumers, the results offer a curated guide to exceptional cheeses, helping them discover new favorites and appreciate the vast diversity of flavors and styles available worldwide. It encourages exploration and elevates the appreciation of fine cheese. The impact of the World Cheese Awards extends beyond just the individual cheeses. It fosters a sense of community among cheesemakers, encouraging knowledge sharing and friendly competition that ultimately drives the entire industry forward. The focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and traditional techniques often highlighted through the awards also influences production practices, encouraging a more responsible and conscious approach to cheesemaking. This year's results, with the Supreme Champion being an Italian Gorgonzola Dolce and Super Golds spanning the UK, France, Switzerland, and even Egypt, underscore the truly international nature of cheese excellence. It shows that incredible cheese can emerge from anywhere, driven by unique terroirs and skilled artisans.

Looking ahead, the success seen in the 2021 awards sets a high bar for future competitions. We can anticipate even greater innovation, with cheesemakers experimenting with new milk types, aging techniques, and flavor profiles. The growing recognition of artisanal producers and smaller dairies suggests a continued trend towards high-quality, handcrafted cheeses over mass-produced options. Consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity and provenance, and the World Cheese Awards plays a vital role in highlighting producers who deliver on these fronts. The sustainability aspect is also likely to gain more prominence, as both producers and consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of food production. We might see more awards or special mentions dedicated to cheeses made with environmentally conscious practices. Furthermore, the global nature of the awards ensures that diverse cheese cultures continue to be celebrated, promoting cross-cultural appreciation and understanding through the universal language of delicious cheese. The World Cheese Awards aren't just about crowning the best cheese; they're about celebrating the rich tapestry of global dairy heritage, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of cheesemakers to reach for the stars. So, let's raise a glass (or perhaps a cheese knife!) to the winners of 2021 and eagerly await what the future holds for the wonderful world of cheese. It’s exciting times ahead, folks, and our palates are in for a treat!

In conclusion, the World Cheese Awards 2021 was a spectacular event that showcased the incredible talent and diversity within the global cheese community. From the creamy delight of the Gorgonzola Dolce DOP Supreme Champion to the numerous gold and Super Gold medalists, the competition celebrated excellence in every form. These results offer a fantastic roadmap for anyone looking to explore the best cheeses the world has to offer. So go forth, discover these award-winning cheeses, and savor the incredible flavors that make our world a more delicious place. Happy cheesing, everyone!