Introducción

The smooth soft cheese from the Jura. Vacherin Mont-d'Or AOC is the name of the special, unmistakable soft cheese of the Vaud Jura. It has been made carefully by hand in the Vallée de Joux for more than 100 years. During the aging process in traditional cellars, the cheese develops its delicate, mild flavour and the characteristic, exquisite hint of tannin that comes from the box, made of local pine. Vacherin Mont-d'Or AOC was initially produced between October and the spring, because in winter there was insufficient milk for the farmers to produce the large wheels of Gruyère. It then became a tradition, and the production season now runs from the end of September until April.

Descripción

Thermalised milk

Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC is made out of thermalised (gently heated) cow’s milk. This is a heating process and an alternative to pasteurisation that allows the milk to retain all its natural qualities while ensuring its bacteriological safety.

Served on a spoon

The cheese’s soft, flowing and creamy quality is best enjoyed when it is served at room temperature, using a spoon. Gourmets favour Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC as a fine dessert cheese, or served warm – from the oven – accompanied by small steamed potatoes or crusty bread.

Tips

Museum

You can learn all about the history of Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC and its production at the excellent museum in Les Charbonnières. A traditional lunch with Vacherin can be served, when booked in advance.
Cave du Pèlerin, Tel. +41 (0)21 841 10 14,
www.vacherin-le-pelerin.ch

Cheese dairies

Would you like to watch the production of Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC, and see how the cheese makers attach a belt of pine bark around freshly made cheese? The cheese dairies of the Vallée de Joux that produce Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC, and the aging cellars as well, are happy to welcome interested visitors during the production period from late September to April. By appointment – contact:
Tel. +41 (0)21 905 81 51,
vacherinmontdor@bluewin.ch

Wooden box production

The typical pine boxes for the Vacherin Mont-d’Or AOC are also made by hand. You can watch them being made by appointment with Inbois.
Tel. +41 (0)21 841 12 95