Andy Montoya
Grand Noir is a blue cheese made by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business located in Bavaria, Germany. It is made with fresh, local milk from Swiss brown cows that graze in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. Each wheel of Grand Noir is hand-dipped in its signature black wax and then cold-ripened for eight weeks, developing a creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The cheese is known for its sweet, salty, and sharp flavour, with bold blue notes. Grand Noir is not only delicious, but it is also gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian-friendly, making it an enjoyable option for those with dietary restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Texture | Creamy, soft, silky |
| Flavor | Sweet, salty, sharp, bold |
| Color | Black wax exterior, blue or grey veins |
| Type of cheese | Blue cheese |
| Region | Germany |
| Milk source | Regional farms in the southern Alpine region of Bavaria |
| Wine pairing | Bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or champagne |
| Food pairing | Candied ginger, pomegranate, fruit preserves, rosemary crackers |
| Edibility of wax | Non-edible |
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What You'll Learn
Grand Noir is gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian-friendly
Grand Noir is a cheese that is gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It is a blue cheese, produced by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business located in Bavaria, Germany. The company has been crafting cheeses for over 100 years, using recipes passed down through generations.
Grand Noir is made with fresh, local milk from Swiss brown cows that graze in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. Each wheel of Grand Noir is hand-dipped in a signature black wax and then cold-ripened for eight weeks. The black wax is not edible and is used to help develop the cheese's creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Under the wax, you may find blue or grey mold, which is natural and adds to the bold blue character of the cheese.
The secret to Grand Noir's quality is the superior milk and the careful affinage of this unique cheese. It has a distinct flavor profile, described as sweet, salty, and sharp, with a lusciously creamy texture. It pairs well with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, champagne, and rosemary crackers. The sweet notes of Grand Noir also complement candied ginger, pomegranate, and fruit preserves.
Grand Noir is an award-winning cheese, having won Best of Class in the Blue-Veined Cheese Category at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest. It is a premium, elegant choice for blue cheese lovers and a delightful addition to any cheese board or entertaining spread.
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It's a semi-soft blue cheese with bold blue veining
Grand Noir is a semi-soft blue cheese with bold blue veining. It is made by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business located in Bavaria, Germany. The cheese is crafted using fresh, local milk from Swiss brown cows that graze in the Allgäu region of Bavaria. Each wheel of Grand Noir is carefully hand-dipped in black wax and then aged in a cold environment. This process helps the cheese develop its signature creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Grand Noir is known for its distinct sweet, salty, and sharp flavour profile. Its texture is described as lusciously creamy and mellow, with bold blue notes. The black wax exterior helps to create a silky texture and enhances the bold flavour of the cheese. Underneath the wax, you may find blue or grey mould, which is a natural development and adds to the unique character of the cheese.
As a blue cheese, Grand Noir pairs well with bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or champagne. Its sweet notes also make it a good match for candied ginger, pomegranate, and fruit preserves. The cheese has a creamy texture that melts in the mouth, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate blue cheese. Grand Noir was recognised as the "Best of Class" in the Blue Veined Cheese category at the 2016 World Championship Cheese Contest.
In terms of dietary considerations, Grand Noir is lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It is also free from additives and preservatives, including natamycin, an additive commonly found in blue cheeses to inhibit mould growth. Grand Noir's natural mould development contributes to its distinctive flavour and texture. This semi-soft blue cheese is an elegant and premium choice for cheese connoisseurs, perfect for entertaining or enjoying on its own.
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Grand Noir is made by Käserei Champignon in Germany
Grand Noir is a type of blue cheese made by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business located in Germany's southern Alpine region of Bavaria. The company has been crafting cheeses in this region for over 100 years, using recipes passed down through the company's history.
Grand Noir is made with fresh milk from regional farms in Bavaria. Each wheel of cheese is hand-dipped in black wax and then cold-ripened for eight weeks. The wax is not edible, but it helps the cheese develop its creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture and bold flavour. Under the wax, you may find blue or grey mould, which is natural and adds to the unique character of the cheese.
Grand Noir is an elegant, semi-soft blue cheese with robust blue veining. It has a sweet, salty, and sharp flavour, and its texture is lusciously creamy. It pairs well with bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or champagne, and its sweet notes also make it a good match for candied ginger, pomegranate, and fruit preserves.
Grand Noir is lactose-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian-friendly. It is free from additives and preservatives, including natamycin, an additive that prohibits mould growth on blue cheeses.
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The cheese is hand-dipped in black wax and cold-ripened
Grand Noir is a gluten-free cheese that undergoes a unique process of hand-dipping in black wax and cold-ripening to achieve its distinctive flavour, texture, and appearance. This artisanal cheese is produced by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business in Bavaria, Germany, with a rich history of crafting cheeses spanning over a century.
The process of hand-dipping the cheese in black wax is a signature feature of Grand Noir. Each wheel of cheese is carefully immersed in food-safe black wax, which is not meant to be eaten and should be removed before consumption. This distinctive wax coating not only gives the cheese an elegant appearance but also serves a functional purpose.
Aged in a cold environment, the black wax helps the cheese develop its signature creamy, melt-in-the-mouth texture. This careful affinage, or refining process, is crucial to the development of Grand Noir's unique characteristics. During this cold-ripening period, the cheese matures and its flavours intensify, resulting in a lusciously creamy texture with bold blue striations streaked throughout.
The combination of superior milk sourced from regional farms in Germany's southern Alpine region of Bavaria and the meticulous hand-dipping and cold-ripening processes sets Grand Noir apart. The result is a semi-soft blue cheese with robust blue veining, boasting sweet, salty, and sharp flavours that make it a favourite among blue cheese connoisseurs.
Grand Noir's hand-dipping in black wax and cold-ripening not only ensures its exceptional quality but also contributes to its visual appeal, making it a show-stopping addition to any cheese board or elegant event. This award-winning cheese pairs exquisitely with bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, champagne, and even rosemary crackers, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
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Pairs well with bold red wines, champagne, and rosemary crackers
Grand Noir is a premium, award-winning blue cheese encased in black wax with a soft, creamy texture. It is produced by Käserei Champignon, a family-owned business in Bavaria, Germany. This cheese is known for its bold blue notes and sweet undertones. Its unique flavour profile makes it a versatile option for pairing with various foods and drinks.
When it comes to beverages, Grand Noir pairs exceptionally well with bold red wines. The full-bodied nature of these wines complements the richness of the cheese. Specifically, a Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice to bring out the cheese's boldness and sweetness. For a more celebratory option, champagne is another recommended pairing. The effervescence and acidity of champagne provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of Grand Noir.
In terms of crackers, rosemary crackers are an ideal match for Grand Noir. The earthy, aromatic notes of rosemary enhance the cheese's flavour without overwhelming it. The combination of Grand Noir with rosemary crackers creates a harmonious blend of flavours that is sure to impress.
Additionally, Grand Noir can be served with other accompaniments to further enhance its flavour. Candied ginger, pomegranate, and fruit preserves are excellent choices that complement the cheese's sweet notes. Dried fruits, sweet and spicy jams, and even rich chocolate can also be paired for a delightful sensory experience. Remember to remove the wax coating before serving and enjoying this exquisite cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Grand Noir Cheese is gluten-free.
Grand Noir is a blue cheese made from fresh milk from regional farms in Germany's southern Alpine region of Bavaria.
Grand Noir is a semi-soft blue cheese with a sweet, salty, sharp, and lusciously creamy texture.
Each wheel of Grand Noir is hand-dipped in its signature black wax and then cold-ripened for eight weeks.
