Alpine-Style

Al-pahyn

Since the 11th century, cheesemakers in the Alpine area between Switzerland and France have produced gruyere. The pride and joy of the region, this cheese received its name from the town of Gruyeres in the Swiss canton of Fribourg. Today, Wisconsin cheesemakers produce award-winning, hand-crafted alpine-style cheese using classic Swiss production techniques and hand-crafted copper vats. Surface ripened with an inedible brown rind, the cheese is aged in specially-designed curing rooms to give it a nutty, rich, full-bodied flavor and firm texture.

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Appearance

Pale, ivory-yellow, natural brown washed rind

Texture

Firm; a few small eyes

Flavor

Nutty, rich, sweet, full-bodied

Serve.

Classically, shredded Alpine-style cheese tops onion soup or is incorporated in fondue. Add to au gratin dishes, quiches and soufflés. Put a new twist on an old favorite, macaroni and cheese – make it with penne pasta and Alpine-style cheese.

Pair.

Beer: Bock, Stout, Weiss Beer, Porter, Brown Ale, Lager

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Red Zinfandel, Champagne, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Beaujolais, Pinot Gris, Syrah/Shiraz, Ice Wines, Sherry - Oloroso

Spirit: Port, Madeira, Scotch, Rye Whiskey

Performance Notes - Available by special order, Alpine wheels referred to as Surchoix are specially aged longer than the average 90 days. The Alpine becomes granular and increasingly sweet and nutty. The age it is released is based upon request and availability. Carefully remove the rind before shredding or serving. A smear is handrubbed on the outside of this surface-ripened cheese. It ages slowly in cool cellars on special boards and forms distinct, small eyes.