Cheese and red wine can sometimes be rocky bedfellows but this month they’ve done some counselling, put their problems behind them and have emerged more respectful of each other. After all, they’ve much in common – fermentation, terroir, making life significantly more enjoyable. . .

While we’ll admit that white wines, cider and beer often make better cheese pairings, we will not shy away from a challenge. With that in mind, our cheesemongers have been busy eating and drinking to bring you the ultimate winter cheese subscription box.

The June Cheese Subscription contains

Beppino Occelli Testun di Barolo. Wearing a coat of grape skins might seem a little odd at first but this cow & goat milk semi-hard cheese is a winner on the cheese board with its creamy texture and almost sweet, fruity flavour.

Époisses de Bourgogne  This (in)famous washed rind cheese has a distinctive red-orange rind and an aroma that could never be described as shy. The rich, velvety interior displays meaty, earthy flavour notes while maintaining a sweet finish.

Manchego Finca Valdivieso  Produced with milk from a single herd of Manchega sheep, this raw milk Machego is an exceptional example of traditional farmhouse cheese. Below the patterned outer rind lies a pale interior rich in flavours of hay/nuts that will have you pining for a glass of fino sherry.

Westcombe Cheddar  Traditional clothbound Cheddar is a thing of true beauty and this example from Neal’s Yard Dairy does not disappoint. Perfectly balanced with a bright, grassy flavour, delicate acidity and firm structure, Westcombe Cheddar just may become your new favourite cheese.

These carefully selected cheeses are the perfect excuse to explore some of the unsung heroes of red wine this June. Try your hand at nebbiolo with some Testun di Barolo, a glass of Gamay with your Époisses, maybe some Rioja with your Manchego and wouldn’t that cabernet franc be delightful with a hunk of Cheddar. You get the drift.