Why You’ll Love This

Bold, aromatic, and wonderfully complex, Appenzeller Black Label is an exceptional Swiss mountain cheese with a rich, savory character and a beautifully balanced finish. Made from raw cow’s milk and aged for at least six months, this distinctive cheese develops a firm yet supple texture and an impressive depth of flavor. Notes of roasted nuts, browned butter, and savory herbs unfold on the palate, followed by a pleasantly tangy, lingering finish. A wonderful choice for anyone who appreciates a robust Alpine cheese with personality.

What Makes It Special

Produced in the picturesque Appenzell region of northeastern Switzerland, Appenzeller is one of the country’s most celebrated traditional cheeses. Its distinctive character comes from centuries-old cheesemaking methods and a closely guarded herbal brine known as Kräutersulz.

During maturation, each wheel is regularly washed with this secret blend of herbs, spices, and brine, encouraging the development of its aromatic rind and complex flavor. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret.

Black Label, also known as Appenzeller Extra, is matured for at least six months, allowing its flavors to become particularly rich, spicy, and pronounced. The result is a beautifully structured cheese that captures the character of Switzerland’s Alpine cheesemaking traditions.

Tasting Notes

Texture: Firm, dense, and smooth, with a pleasantly supple consistency and a satisfying bite.

Aroma: Aromatic and savory, with hints of toasted nuts, cultured butter, and herbal spice.

Flavor: Rich and complex, revealing layers of roasted hazelnuts, browned butter, savory herbs, and a distinctive tangy finish.

Intensity: Bold and full-flavored, with a pronounced Alpine character and lingering savory depth.

Perfect Pairings

The robust, nutty character of Appenzeller Black Label pairs beautifully with both traditional Alpine accompaniments and contrasting sweet flavors.

• Fruit: Crisp apples, ripe pears, fresh grapes, and dried apricots.
• Condiments: Whole-grain mustard, fig preserves, or a touch of honey.
• Nuts: Toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, and Marcona almonds.
• Bread: Rustic rye bread, sourdough, or hearty seeded crackers.
• Wine: Swiss Chasselas, dry Riesling, or an elegant Pinot Noir. A traditional farmhouse cider is another wonderful pairing.

Serving Ideas

Allow the cheese to rest at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before serving to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and rich texture.

For a traditional Alpine-inspired cheese board, serve generous slices with crusty rye bread, crisp apples, whole-grain mustard, and thinly sliced cured meats.

Appenzeller Black Label is also an exceptional melting cheese. Grate it into a classic Swiss fondue alongside Gruyère, melt over roasted potatoes, or incorporate into a luxurious grilled cheese sandwich. Its assertive flavor makes it particularly delicious in a savory tart, potato gratin, or Alpine-style macaroni.

About the Producer

Appenzeller cheese is produced by a select group of traditional dairies in northeastern Switzerland, where cheesemaking knowledge has been passed down through generations. The cheese is made according to carefully maintained regional standards using raw cow’s milk from local dairy farms.

Each wheel undergoes a meticulous maturation process, including regular treatments with the signature herbal brine that gives Appenzeller its unmistakable character. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship has made Appenzeller one of Switzerland’s most recognizable and distinctive cheeses.

The Tastings Experience

At Tastings Gourmet Market, we appreciate cheeses that reflect the landscape, traditions, and craftsmanship of their origins. Appenzeller Black Label is a wonderful example of Swiss Alpine cheesemaking at its finest.

With its rich, nutty complexity and distinctive herbal character, this exceptional cheese deserves a place on any thoughtfully composed cheese board. Whether enjoyed with a glass of Swiss white wine or melted into a comforting Alpine dish, Appenzeller Black Label delivers a memorable taste of Switzerland.