The cheeses that I love: Jessica Summer

Jessica Summer, founder of Mouse & Grape says she finds it hard, like other cheesemongers, to narrow down her favourite cheeses. “Behind our counter, we have around 30 cheeses at any one time,” she says. “I’d love to have more, but we’re a cosy, intimate space with just one small serve-over. Every cheese we stock has to earn its place – whether it’s for incredible flavour, unctuous texture, or its ability to pair beautifully with wine.”

She says she’s “all about cheese and wine pairings”, so her top cheese picks always have that in mind. “Honestly, I could go on forever, because cheese is just so varied and exciting. Every cheese tells a story – about the land, the animals, the people who make it – and I love how they all start with milk and are transformed into something completely different.”

Gorgonzola Dolce, Tosi

If you’ve been following my journey, you’ll know I have an obsession with this cheese. It’s moreish, decadent, gooey, salty, sweet, creamy, and completely addictive. The kind of cheese that lingers in your mind for days. Made in Piedmont, this blue is so soft you can eat it with a spoon - something I do regularly. Pair it with a sparkling rosé for a match made in heaven, or go for a light, fruity red like Gamay or Pinot Noir.

Baron Bigod, Fen Farm Dairy

This cheese is nothing short of iconic. Made in Suffolk, Baron Bigod is one of the best Brie-style cheeses in the UK. It’s got that perfect golden, oozing paste with a buttery, mushroomy, slightly almondy flavour. It’s rich, indulgent, and one of my absolute favourites. I love it with a well-balanced Chardonnay or a lightly oaked Viognier - both bring out its luxurious, creamy texture beautifully.

Tor, White Lake Cheese

White Lake is doing something truly special with goats’ cheese. Tor is a gorgeous ash-coated pyramid with a delicate citrus tang and a fudgy texture. But I could just as easily go for Driftwood or Rachel - they’re all fantastic in their own way. A crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc or a textured Chenin Blanc works so well with these, highlighting their bright, lemony notes.

Cornish Kern, Lynher Dairies

This one is an absolute gem. It’s a hard, Alpine-style cheese made in Cornwall, with a firm texture and deep, caramelised, nutty flavours. Think Comté meets Gouda, but with a unique British twist. It’s a dream with a bold white Burgundy or a structured red like a Cabernet Franc.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Simple but so good. I’ve completely fallen in love with Parmigiano Reggiano drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar or jelly and paired with a glass of red wine - honestly, try it. But it’s also so versatile - great with crisp, dry whites like Verdicchio or even an elegant Barolo. The umami depth of the cheese is just magic with the acidity in the wine.

La Tur

This little Italian cheese is something special. Made from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk, it’s rich, creamy, and melts in your mouth like ice cream. It’s also one of the most versatile cheeses for pairing. It works beautifully with sparkling wines like Prosecco, fruity reds like Beaujolais, or even a dessert wines like Moscato.

The others Jessica can’t leave out

I really could go on and on. Washed-rind cheeses like Maida Vale, Yarlington, and Époisses are so pungent yet fruity - big and bold in the best way possible. Then there are the Alpine cheeses, which are just so delicious and comforting - Gruyère, Comté, Beaufort, and Appenzeller, all with their nutty, savoury, caramelised flavours and melt beautifully. 

And I haven’t even got to fresh cheeses yet! Burrata, with its silky, creamy centre, is so delicious with homemade pesto, ripe tomatoes and a chilled glass of rosé. And let’s not forget feta - especially British-made versions like Graceburn, marinated in herbs and oil, which pairs beautifully with a crisp Albariño. 

Cheese is just so incredibly varied, and that’s what I love about it. No matter the style, shape, or flavour, every cheese starts as milk and is transformed into something amazing - something that brings people together, tells a story, and, of course, tastes ridiculously good with wine.

At Mouse & Grape, we’re all about celebrating these incredible cheeses and helping customers to find the perfect wine to go with them. If you’re ever in the shop, come and chat with us about cheese. We love helping people discover their perfect pairings, whether it’s for a dinner party, a gift, or just a little treat. Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like that perfect bite of cheese with the right sip of wine.