Vorarlberger Bergkäse PDO Protected Designation of Origin

Vorarlberger Bergkäse is a hard cheese from Austria, specifically made in the province of Vorarlberg. It is produced using raw cow's milk from farms that do not use silage for feeding. The cheese rounds weigh between 7 kg and 40 kg and are matured for at least 3 months. It has a smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind and a firm to smooth texture. The cheese is ivory to pale yellow in color and has a spicy taste that becomes sharper with age. The production process involves traditional methods, including the use of natural rennet and specific lactic acid bacteria cultures. The cheese is known for its long shelf life and distinctive flavor, which are attributed to the expertise of local cheesemakers.

Key Facts

Country of Origin Austria
Specific Origin Vorarlberg, including regions Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Großwalsertal, Leiblachtal (Pfänderstock), Walgau, and Rheintal.
Protection PDO (1997)
Milk Type Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Rind Smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind
Texture Firm to smooth
Flavor Spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age
Colors Ivory-colored to pale yellow
Forms Cheese rounds weighing between 7 kg and 40 kg.
Age At least 3 months
Rennet Type Natural rennet

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