Le Gruyère AOP Cheese

Description

Le Gruyère AOP Cheese

About Le Gruyère AOP

The making of this cheese dates back to 1115 and the same recipe is still used throughout the 172 dairies that are licensed to make the cheese. These cheeses are made in vast 35kg wheels, each of which is stamped with the number of the dairy where it was made.

Le Gruyère itself is protected by a Swiss AOP. This means it has to be made within certain areas of the Swiss Alps surrounding the village of Gruyère.  It is produced using milk from cattle which have grazed on the finest pastures or naturally dried hay. The milk must be unpasteurised and come from farms within 20km of the dairy. It takes 400 litres of milk to make just one 35kg wheel of Le Gruyère cheese!

After 3 months from its date of production, the small dairies are visited by the Kaltbach cave masters. They use a rigid testing technique and only the highest scoring Le Gruyère cheeses are taken to be matured in the Kaltbach caves.

The Cave Ageing Process

Kaltbach Caves

Kaltbach cheeses are the result of exceptional care, patience, and attention to detail. But what is it that makes Kaltbach cheeses so special?

1. Kaltbach cheeses are aged in a 22-million-year-old sandstone cave in Switzerland’s Alpine valley. The natural moisture that the quartz stores in the rock gives this sandstone cave the perfect conditions for cheese refining.
2. The Kaltbach Cheese Cave is a unique cheese maturing area. Situated 15 meters below ground, its horizontal layering allows water to slowly make its way down the walls rather than dripping from the ceiling like other caves. Kaltbach itself means “cold river”, referring to the river that runs through the cave; this helps maintain a humidity level of about 96% and a temperature of about 12.5 degrees throughout the year.
3. The wheels of cheese are regularly brushed with cave wash, ensuring nuances of flavour and the distinctive Kaltbach tanginess. The sandstone shares a relationship with the cheese, releasing and absorbing moisture as needed, and the climate in the cave helps to give the cheese its amazing aroma, deep colour, and a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Kaltbach Cave Masters monitor quality at all stages. This natural cave environment and the skill of the Cave Masters, guarantees that this unique, rich taste can only be found in Kaltbach cheeses.

Did you know that our Kaltbach Alpine Creamy is also aged in these same sandstone caves?

Protected by AOP Tradition

Le Gruyère AOP is protected by having an Appellation d’Origine Protégée, which guarantees that it is produced and matured in specific areas of Switzerland according to strict traditional standards.

Le Gruyère AOP – Jen’s Tasting Notes

How to Serve and Pair Le Gruyère AOP

• Make sure you take it out of the fridge a good hour before you want to eat it so it can come up to room temperature.
• Classic pairings: If you’re thinking about wine pairings, Kaltbach Gruyère AOP pairs well with many options. Crisp whites like Chardonnay or Riesling bring out its fruity side, while a fuller red pairs with its earthy flavours.
• Something a little different: A light ale or cider is also a great match, thanks to its smooth creaminess.
• On the plate: Sliced thin, it’s a treat on a cheeseboard, especially with apples, pears, grapes, or some nuts.
• In the kitchen: Le Gruyère AOP melts beautifully, so it’s perfect for fondue, gratins, French onion soup, or even a fancy grilled cheese.

Jen’s note: We went to visit the Kaltbach caves and saw the huge wheels of Le Gruyère AOP being matured. They have an amazing machine that lifts, turns & brushes every wheel – I could have sat and watched it all day!

Buying Le Gruyère AOP

• Brand or Producer: Emmi
• Product name: Le Gruyère AOP
• Milk: Cow
• Country: Switzerland
• Region: Lucerne
• Strength: Medium to mature
• Vegetarian: No
• Suitable for pregnancy: Yes
• Allergens: MILK

Sizes and Prices

• 100g wedge, £5.80
• 500g wedge, £29.00

Storage Advice

• Keep refrigerated
• Wrap in waxed paper or foil
• Remove from the fridge before serving
• Consume within 10 to 14 days of opening

Delivery and Collection

• UK wide courier delivery
• Click and collect from our Pangbourne shop
• Free local delivery available for selected postcodes

Ingredients (Allergens are listed in capitals)

MILK, salt, cultures, rennet.