Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese

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Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese

About Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese

Yorkshire Wensleydale is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. It is traditionally crafted from cow’s milk and can be made using raw or pasteurized milk. The cheese is known for its firm yet slightly crumbly and flaky texture. It has a creamy white to ivory-yellow color and a lactic, slightly acidic aroma. The flavor is mellow with a slight acidity and a honeyed aftertaste, becoming stronger with aging. It is molded into traditional truckles, cylinders, or blocks and can be aged from 2 weeks to 12 months. The cheese is made using specific starter cultures that develop its unique flavor and texture. Yorkshire Wensleydale continues to be produced using traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged for over a century.

Key Facts

Country of Origin England, United Kingdom
Specific Origin Wensleydale
Protection PGI (2007)
Milk Type Cow
Milk Treatment Raw or pasteurized
Fat Content Minimum 48% of dry matter
Moisture Content Minimum 54% dry matter
Rind Cloth-bound or none
Texture Firm, Crumbly
Flavor Slightly acidic, mellow, and honeyed; stronger and more complex when aged
Aroma Lactic, slightly acidic; develops stronger notes when aged
Colors White to ivory-yellow
Forms Truckles, cylinders (500g to 21kg), 20kg blocks
Age 2 weeks to 12 months
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