Description
Stärnächäs Extra Mature Cheese
About Stärnächäs Extra Mature
Stärnächäs translates as ‘star cheese’, and this one has certainly earned its place as a star in our cheese counter. Made in north-eastern Switzerland, it sits somewhere between two famous Swiss cheeses, Le Gruyère AOP and Appenzeller, with the nutty, savoury character you might expect but plenty of personality of its own.
Stärnächäs Extra Mature is made in the foothills of the Säntis mountain, the highest mountain in north-eastern Switzerland. The cheese was created in 2010 by affineur Walo von Mühlenen, who wanted to develop a Swiss cheese that offered something a little different. Working with local cheesemaker Käserei Gabriel, he created Stärnächäs — quite literally, a new ‘star cheese’.
It’s a lovely example of the relationship between cheesemaker and affineur. Making a good cheese is only the beginning; what happens during maturation can completely change its flavour, texture and character, and that careful ageing is a big part of what makes Stärnächäs so special.
Evolved Slowly, with Care
Stärnächäs Extra Mature is aged for around 8–10 months, during which time each wheel is regularly turned, brushed and carefully looked after. This slow maturation allows the flavours to deepen while the cheese retains its lovely creamy texture.
It also develops the occasional little crunchy crystal as it matures — always a welcome discovery in an aged cheese and a brilliant contrast to that smooth, supple paste.
Stärnächäs Extra Mature – Jen’s Tasting Notes
This is one of those cheeses that always gets people talking. It’s nutty and creamy, with just a touch of sweetness and a lovely fruity depth. There’s a hint of honey in both the flavour and the aroma, which I really like.
The texture is smooth and slightly supple, with those occasional little crystals giving a lovely crunch. Although it has plenty of flavour, it isn’t as intense as our cave-aged Le Gruyère AOP, which makes it dangerously more-ish. I always find myself going back for another nibble.
How to Serve and Pair Stärnächäs Extra Mature
- 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: I’m a big fan of Cabernet Sauvignon with this cheese. The richness of the wine works beautifully alongside the creamy, nutty flavours of the Stärnächäs.
- Something a little different: Try it with beer, particularly a saison or Belgian tripel. Both work brilliantly with those sweet, nutty flavours.
- On the plate: Weirdly, pretzels and slices of crisp apple make an amazingly good trio with Stärnächäs. Trust me on this one.
- In the kitchen: Like many Swiss cheeses, Stärnächäs is a brilliant melter. It works beautifully in a fondue, but is equally at home melted into a really good toastie.
Jen’s note: This is definitely a cheese to take out of the fridge at least an hour before you want to eat it. No nibbling before it has warmed up — give it time and those lovely nutty, fruity flavours really start to shine.
Buying Stärnächäs Extra Mature
- Brand or Producer: Affienur Walo von Mühlenen LDT
- Product name: Stärnächäs Extra Mature
- Milk: Cow
- Country: Switzerland
- Region: Fribourg Canton
- Strength: Medium, bordering on strong…
- Vegetarian: No
- Suitable for pregnancy: Yes
- Allergens: MILK
Sizes and Prices
- 100g wedge, £4.20
- 500g wedge, £21.00
- Whole wheel (approx. 6kg), available to pre-order
Storage Advice
- Keep refrigerated
- Wrap in waxed paper or cling film
- 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, starter cultures, rennet
