Allgäu Mountain Cheese

Allgäuer Bergkäse is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese produced in Germany’s Allgäu region from raw cow’s milk. This protected status guarantees that all stages of production processing and preparation take place within a defined specific region. The product was granted European Protected Designation of Origin status on 24 January 1997.

Historical Origins and Swiss Influence

The origins of Allgäuer Bergkäse trace back to around 1820 when Swiss Alpine shepherds and dairymen settled in the Allgäu region. These settlers found similarities between the climate landscapes and agricultural structure of Allgäu and their homeland in Switzerland.

As a result of their settlement they introduced their traditional cheese making techniques to the region including those inspired by the classic Swiss Emmental cheese. This transfer of knowledge contributed to the refinement and improvement of existing cheese varieties particularly Bergkäse mountain cheese and led to the creation of new cheese types.

Production Area and Geographic Conditions

The quality of Allgäuer Bergkäse is based on fresh milk obtained from cattle grazing on high pastures along the northern slopes of the Alps.

The geographic production area encompasses specific parts of Germany’s Allgäu region. This area includes the local districts of Lindau (Lake Constance) Oberallgäu Ostallgäu and Unterallgäu within the Swabian portion of Bavaria as well as the towns of Kaufbeuren Kempten and Memmingen.

In addition the districts of Ravensburg and Bodenseekreis in the southeastern part of the neighboring state of Baden-Württemberg are also included in the defined production area.

Production Process and Quality Standards

Maintaining high quality standards is essential throughout the production process. The milk is sourced exclusively from a clearly defined production area as determined by local dairy associations.

Cheese producers use only untreated raw cow’s milk in production. This raw milk is heated to a temperature below 40 °C prior to the renneting process.

Product Characteristics and Morphology

Allgäuer Bergkäse PDO is a round cheese matured on its rind. Each cheese wheel weighs between 15 and 50 kg.

The interior of the cheese flesh contains holes known as eyes. These eyes are typically pea-sized and develop in an isolated and sparse manner within the cheese curd.

The cheese is matured for four months. Its dry matter content is set at 62%. The minimum full fat content ranges between 45% and 49%. The final product offers a flavor profile ranging from mild to very aromatic reflecting the taste of the Alpine pastures.