Gruyere Cheese is one of the most famous Swiss cheeses. It's made from cow's milk and has a slightly sweet taste with mushroomy notes that varies widely with age It's a hard yellow cheese that is named after the town of Guyere in Switzerland. It gained great popularity when chefs througout Europe started to use it in fondue.
The flavors are sweet and nutty when it's young, becoming more assertive, earthy, and complex with age.
It's washed and aged in a humid environment which gives its skin a wrinkled almond look. When fully aged (five months to a year) it tends to have small holes and cracks.
Once considered only a cooking cheese because it melts so well, Gruyere is also an excellent eating cheese.
The first Swiss to make it were French speaking. By the 13th century, their cheese making skills had spread to their relatives in France. There are many cheeses throughout the world that are gruyere type cheeses. However, only gruyere made in Switzerland can be labeled as being authentic. French versions of gruyere go by the names Comte and Beaufort. The name Gruyere became protected in 2001 as a culinary heritage of Switzerland. All producers of this cheese must follow strict rules and guidelines.
Gruyere goes well with Champagne, Zinfandel and Syrah wines.
Here is an excellent Gruyere, it has a full flavor that is sweet and nutty. It's great for serving sliced with crackers and breads. It also works well as a topping for French Onion soup.
