How Alpine-Style Cheeses Bring Full-Bodied Mountain Flavor to Your Menu

High in the rugged peaks and pristine valleys of the French Alps, a centuries-old tradition of cheesemaking thrives. Alpine-style cheeses carry with them the taste of their environment—subtle grassy notes from summer grazing, earthy undertones from natural rinds, and a complexity developed through a meticulous aging process.

For chefs, Alpine cheeses offer more than just flavor; they bring a story to the plate. Each wheel speaks for generations of farmers perfecting their craft. Whether featured on a cheese board, folded into a rustic gratin, or paired with a crisp white wine, French Alps cheeses deliver a full-bodied, transportive experience that connects diners to the heart of the mountains.

WHAT IS ALPINE-STYLE CHEESE?

Alpine-style cheese refers to a category of cheeses traditionally crafted in mountainous regions like the Alps and Pyrenees, spanning France, Switzerland, and Italy. 

Historically, these cheeses were born out of necessity: farmers needed a way to preserve excess milk during summer grazing seasons when herds thrived on nutrient-rich alpine grasses. The result was a style of cheesemaking that combined efficiency with artistry, producing wheels that could age gracefully over months and even years.

Over the years, production methods have remained remarkably true to tradition. Milk—often from grass-fed or hay-fed cows—is collected fresh and then coagulated with natural rennet. The curds are cooked, pressed, and formed into sturdy wheels, which are aged in cool, humid cellars carved into the mountain rock. These natural environments encourage the development of earthy, rustic rinds and complex interior flavors that evolve over time.

For today’s chefs, Alpine-style cheese represents a perfect blend of heritage and performance. It offers consistent quality, exceptional aging potential, and versatility across applications.

THE HALLMARKS OF ALPINE-STYLE CHEESE

Alpine-style cheeses share defining characteristics that make them distinctive and highly versatile in the kitchen.

Texture:
These cheeses typically range from semi-soft to semi-firm, offering a pleasing bite that can melt beautifully or hold its form on a cheese board.

Rind:
Their natural, rustic, and earthy rinds are a product of careful aging in humid mountain cellars. The rind protects the cheese and contributes subtle layers of flavor and aroma.

Flavor Profile:
Alpine-style cheeses are celebrated for their complexity. Common tasting notes include:

• Nutty and grassy undertones from high-altitude pastures
• A gentle tang that brightens the palate
• Layers of sweetness and savory depth
• Occasional hints of citrus or spice, depending on the terroir and aging process

Aging Potential:
Thanks to their firm structure and balanced moisture content, these cheeses age exceptionally well, deepening in flavor and aroma over time.

Versatility:
From elegant cheese plates to warm, comforting dishes like fondue, gratins, and soups, Alpine cheeses adapt seamlessly to refined and rustic menus. Their story and flavor make them easy centerpieces for seasonal pairings.

SPOTLIGHT ON FRENCH ALPS CHEESE

Within the broader Alpine tradition, the cheeses of the French Alps stand apart for their refined character and deep connection to place. These high-altitude regions—shaped by dramatic temperature shifts, pure mountain water, and nutrient-rich pastures—produce milk with remarkable flavor complexity.  

2 FEATURED CHEESES FROM BEURREMONT

At Beurremont, we offer two compelling French Alps cheeses: Southern Alps Tomme and Tomme de Savoie. Each captures the essence of its terroir while delivering a distinctive flavor profile that invites creative pairings and applications.

Southern Alps Tomme: 

Modeled after the classic French Pyrenees mountain tomme, Beurremont’s Southern Alps Tomme is an authentic farmhouse table cheese. 

• Made from grass-based cow’s milk that is unpasteurized and set with traditional rennet,
• Aged for 60–90 days to develop its signature semi-soft texture and natural rind. 
• Its flavor is subtle yet distinct—delicate grassy notes that evoke the lush summer pastures of its origin. 
• This approachable yet nuanced profile makes it a versatile choice for cheese boards, rustic sandwiches, or melting into warm, hearty dishes.

Tomme de Savoie:

With roots tracing back centuries, Tomme de Savoie is one of the French Alps’ most storied cheeses. 

• Originating in the Savoie region, it was historically crafted by local farmers to preserve excess cow’s milk throughout the year. 
• The result is a semi-firm cheese with an ivory-colored paste, scattered with irregular eyes, and a natural rind shaped by the alpine air. 
• Its flavor is grassy and nutty, balanced by a gentle tang and subtle citrus notes, offering both freshness and depth. 
• Tomme de Savoie’s versatility makes it equally at home on a refined cheese plate, in a seasonal salad, or baked into a gratin paired with crisp white wine.

PAIRING & MENU APPLICATIONS

Alpine-style cheeses, especially those from the French Alps, offer a wealth of pairing possibilities that allow chefs to highlight their complexity in a variety of dishes. 

Wine Pairings:

• Crisp Savoy whites with bright acidity to cut through the richness
• Light-bodied reds that complement without overpowering
• Dry sparkling wines for an effervescent counterpoint

Seasonal Applications:

• Spring/Summer: Serve alongside fresh stone fruits, charcuterie, and crusty bread for a vibrant cheese board. Incorporate into salads for added texture and flavor.
• Fall/Winter: Melt into fondue, layer into gratins, or stir into creamy soups for comforting depth.

Chef’s Tip:

• Feature these cheeses as part of a rotating specialty program. Not only does this create anticipation and variety for returning guests, but it also allows you to highlight the unique stories behind each cheese, reinforcing their premium, artisanal nature.

BEURREMONT: BRINGING THE ALPS TO THE TABLE

Alpine-style cheeses are more than an ingredient—they’re a journey into the high-altitude pastures, centuries-old traditions, and meticulous craftsmanship of Europe’s mountain regions. 

Invite your guests to savor the flavors of the mountains—and bring those flavors to your kitchen with Beurremont’s French Alps selections. Explore our full lineup of artisan cheeses, and place your order today to add authentic Alpine character to your menu.