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We’re thrilled to have received a generous sample of Mifroma's Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP, and it’s truly more than just cheese—it’s a seasonal tribute to Alpine tradition. Made exclusively during the summer months, from mid-May to September, this limited-production cheese is crafted using milk from cows grazing on Switzerland's abundant Alpine pastures, rich with a variety of grasses, herbs, and flowers. The natural botanicals in the milk impart distinctive, complex flavors, making this cheese as unique as the stunning landscapes where it’s made.
Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP is an artisanal creation in every sense. Only about fifty chalets across Fribourg, Vaud, and the Bernese Jura produce this cheese, each chalet distinct in altitude, slope, and flora, which shapes the cheese's nuanced characteristics. In each chalet, milk from cows that have feasted on over 100 types of Alpine plants is heated over an open fire. This traditional practice imparts a slight smokiness to each wheel, enhancing the depth of flavor. The milk is pressed only in cloth, and each wheel, weighing approximately 25 kilos, ages to a golden, creamy paste rich in Omega-3s.
Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP and traditional Le Gruyère AOP both have that rich, nutty, and slightly sweet taste that Gruyère is known for, but there are some key differences. Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP is made only in the summer, from the milk of cows that graze in the Alps. Because of this, it has a bit more of an earthy, almost grassy flavor, thanks to the fresh mountain plants the cows eat. Regular Le Gruyère AOP, made year-round, has a more straightforward and consistent taste. Both are delicious and creamy, but Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP has a special flavor that feels more connected to the mountains where it’s produced.
I’ve always enjoyed the rich, nutty flavor of traditional Le Gruyère AOP, so Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP was a welcome treat that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially when paired with the following accompaniments:
Fresh Apple Slices: The crisp, juicy sweetness of apples complements the cheese’s floral notes and balances its creaminess.
Peppered Salami: The mild spice of peppered salami complements the cheese's earthy notes while offering a perfect contrast to the sweeter pairings.
Golden Apple Jam: This brings a touch of sweetness that melds perfectly with the cheese’s buttery character.
Marcona Almonds: These delicate, slightly oily almonds add a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the smooth paste.
Waffle Crackers: Because no cheese plate is complete without simple, crunchy crackers!
Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP is a truly special cheese with a short window of availability, making it a rare treat for cheese enthusiasts. If you’re a fan of Gruyère and haven’t tried this seasonal variety, don’t miss the chance. Le Gruyère d’Alpage AOP is a celebration of flavor and tradition that deserves a place on every cheese board.
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