Expect a tangy, nutty flavor near the rind, balanced by a barnyard-like depth, and a lactic freshness with hay in the core. And if you happen to hit one of its characteristic blue veins, you’ll enjoy a pleasant burst of blue cheese intensity!

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Castelmagno di Montagna has a deep, rich history going back over 800 years, a cheese so valued in medieval times that it was used as currency by local lords and monasteries to pay taxes and settle disputes. Its production remains tied to the natural rhythms of the region, made from cow’s milk, and sometimes a small proportion of goat or sheep’s milk, depending on the season. In the past, the cheese was a rural treasure, made by small-scale mountain farmers, often in remote alpine villages. Castelmagno was traditionally aged in natural caves or stone-walled cellars, where the cool, humid environment allowed the cheese to develop its signature blue veins and the complex flavors that are prized today.

The cheese-making process itself is labor-intensive and preserves techniques passed down through generations. Historically, Castelmagno was only produced in the summer months when cows grazed on the high mountain pastures of the Grana Valley. This seasonal grazing lent the cheese its extraordinary characteristics—grassy, herbal undertones with a rustic, earthy finish. Even the name, Castelmagno, is tied to local history, named after the small hamlet of the same name in the Valle Grana and linked to the patron saint of shepherds, San Magno.

La Meiro’s production of Castelmagno continues this legacy, making the cheese only between October and mid-May when cows are stabled and fed on top quality hay. The unique conditions and traditional techniques lead to a product that showcases the very best of the region’s terroir. From the tangy, nutty notes at the rind to the lactic core with occasional blue veins, every bite tells a story of both time and place.

The cheese’s paste starts with a pale ivory color, becoming creamier and more complex as it matures. When young, the taste is decidedly lactic, evolving into deeper vegetal and rustic notes with time. As it ages, the rind shifts from brown to red, reflecting the cheese’s progression through the ripening process. This same process sees the texture of the cheese transform, with the outer layer softening and developing a subtle creaminess through proteolysis.

The natural ageing environment of Castelmagno di Montagna adds to its allure. Maturation takes place in stone-walled chambers where the temperature remains a cool 10°C and humidity hovers around 90%, conditions that ensure its consistent flavor development. This slow, careful maturation goes well beyond typical standards, giving each wheel its unique depth and complexity.

LA MEIRO

La Meiro is a producer deeply rooted in tradition, located in the pristine environment of the Valle Grana, in the heart of the Cuneo region, Piemont. They are dedicated to preserving the ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations, producing Castelmagno di Montagna in a way that honors the land and the local agricultural heritage. The cows are stabled in winter and fed on natural hay from the surrounding pastures, ensuring the rich, distinct flavors of the cheese.

La Meiro is also known for their commitment to sustainability and respect for nature. The stone cellars where the cheese matures are part of this philosophy, providing a natural, eco-friendly space where the Castelmagno develops its unique characteristics. Their attention to detail and respect for traditional processes allow them to craft a cheese that truly captures the essence of the Alpine terroir.

FOR HOME DELIVERY IN BERLIN:

1. Delivery Area: We provide home delivery services within the ring in Berlin.

2. Temperature-Sensitive Items: We deliver temperature-sensitive items such as eggs, dairy, and meat.

3. Delivery Method: Our deliveries within Berlin are made using cargo bikes, ensuring timely and efficient service.

4. Shipping within Germany: For deliveries outside of Berlin, we utilize DPD services to ship within Germany. Please refer to DPD's shipping and return policies for more information.

5. Return Policy: If you receive a damaged item, you must notify us within one day of delivery. Due to the sensitive nature of our products, we cannot guarantee the storage conditions after delivery. Therefore, we offer a 1-day return policy for damaged items.

6. Verification of Certain Items: We understand that some items can only be assessed once opened, smelled, or tasted. This includes products like wine, spices, cheeses, and other select perishable items that require sensory evaluation. We are open to discussing such cases individually to ensure customer satisfaction and address any concerns regarding these specific items.

7. Compensation for Damaged, Expired, or Missing Items: If we are responsible for a damaged, expired, or missing item, we will provide appropriate compensation options. These may include bringing a similar item for free from the next day onwards, issuing a refund, or providing a discount code for future orders. In case an item would not be consumable despite of not having reached the expiry date, or its container being damaged, please contact us within 24h (.5).

CONCERNING THE WINE SECTION :

Understanding Our Wine Quality Process: We carefully select and taste each wine with Rocket Wine to ensure it meets our standards and matches the detailed descriptions on our webshop. However, we recognize that every palate is unique, and sometimes a wine may not align with your expectations.

If you suspect that your wine is corked or doesn't taste as it should, we're here to support you. We kindly ask that you bring the bottle to our, or Rocket Wine location. This allows us to taste the wine and accurately determine the issue, as this is the most effective method to assess these particular concerns.

We value your input and understand that taste can be subjective. While we strive to provide thorough information and taste profiles for each wine, personal preferences may vary. That's why we invite you to bring in any wine you feel is not up to standard. Please note that for a refund or exchange, the bottle should have more than 50cl remaining.

By following this process, we aim to ensure fairness and maintain the high-quality wine experience you expect from us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this delicate matter.

FOR SHIPPING WITHIN GERMANY:

1. Advisory for Temperature-Sensitive and Fragile Items: We advise against ordering dairy, meat, or other temperature-sensitive items, as well as fragile or freshness time-sensitive products like bread and pastries, for shipping. However, if a customer decides to order these items for shipping, we will take precautions to maintain their quality. We will pack the items using thermofoam boxes, ice pads, and/or protective fillings to help preserve their condition during transit. Please note that despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee the freshness or quality of these items upon reception.

2. Shipping Provider: We utilize DPD services for shipping orders. Please familiarize yourself with DPD's shipping and return policies for any concerns regarding the shipping process.

Additional Recommendations: To ensure optimal satisfaction, we recommend reviewing the storage instructions and expiration dates of items received through our service. Proper storage and timely consumption are crucial for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive and perishable products.

For any inquiries, questions, or assistance, you can contact us at info@archipel.berlin. By placing an order with Archipel Berlin, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. We strive to provide a reliable and high-quality grocery delivery service and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the best possible experience for all our customers.