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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Modeled after the classic French Pyrenees mountain tomme, Beurremont’s Southern Alps Tomme is an authentic farmhouse table cheese.
With roots tracing back centuries, Tomme de Savoie is one of the French Alps’ most storied cheeses.
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:
Seasonal Applications:
Chef’s Tip:
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.