While all the specimens in our Specialty Cheese Department are indeed special, our newest addition—a gorgeous Gouda—is taking it over the top. The story of this cheese actually begins with a trip some of our amazing cheesemongers took to visit cheese legend Marieke Penterman of Holland’s Family Cheese in Thorp, Wisconsin.

Marieke was born and raised in the Netherlands where she learned the art of Dutch cheesecraft. Flash-forward a few years and now she's the maker of her namesake, multi-award-winning varieties of Marieke® Gouda. Not only that, Marieke is one of only four women in the great Cheese State of Wisconsin with a Master Cheesemaker certification!

The passion and expertise she and her team put into each handcrafted wheel is something you can truly taste. They start with raw milk, sourced from their own cows on the woman-owned farmstead creamery, Penterman Farm, located right across the road from the cheesemaking facility. This means the Gouda is made within five hours of the first milking of the day—talk about fresh! It’s then cured in Dutch pine planks, honoring the traditional Old World way.

The best part is, our cheesemongers got to get in on the action! Guided by Marieke herself, they created a vat of a special, exclusive flavor: Marieke® Gouda Pesto Rosso. Sweet, tangy, and vibrant, this all-natural cheese is aged 60+ days and includes sweet, sun-dried tomatoes and savory garlic. Its subtle nutty notes harmonize with its rich creaminess, culminating in an herbaceous finish.

We’re proud of this collaboration (and the Gouda itself!), so the next time you stop by your local Nugget Market’s Specialty Cheese Department, pick up a piece and see for yourself. Just remember, this gourmet Gouda is a limited edition, so enjoy it while you can!