Best Austrian Semi-hard Cheese Types
Mondseer is an Austrian cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk. It originates from the town of Mondsee, hence the name. This semi-hard cheese has a pale yellow color, and its rind is washed, while the texture of the cheese is firm, smooth, open, and creamy.
It has a strong aroma and its flavor can be described as sweet, spicy, and slightly acidic or sour due to the infusion of red cultures and salt water. Mondseer is quite popular in Austrian cuisine, and it is recommended to use it in au gratin dishes and cheese salads.
Pair with
Alps Rebel is an Austrian cheese originating from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, open, and creamy.
The aromas are milky, nutty, and fruity, reminiscent of vanilla, roasted chesnuts, and malt, while the flavors are milky, buttery, piquant, and slightly citrusy.
Pinzgauer Bierkäse is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese produced in the Austrian Zell am See district (formerly known as the Pinzgau region).
It gets its name on account of the fact it's stored in cloths soaked in beer. Pinzgauer Bierkäse has been produced since the 17th century, and the method of production has not changed to this day. The milk comes from cows that graze the pastures of the Austrian Central Alps, which is then pasteurized, skimmed, and enriched with lactobacteria culture.
Räßkäse is a semi-hard cheese from the Vorarlberg region in Austria and neighboring areas in Switzerland. The term "räß" is an Alemannic word meaning "sharp" or "pungent," reflecting the cheese's strong, tangy flavor.
Produced from pasteurized cow's milk, räßkäse undergoes a maturation period of approximately five months in natural cellars, during which it develops its characteristic robust taste and aroma. The cheese has a firm, slightly moist texture with a natural brown rind and a pale yellow interior, often featuring small holes.
Its intense flavor makes it a key ingredient in regional dishes such as Vorarlberger käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and käsefladen (cheese flatbread).
Ländle rheintaler is a semi-hard cheese made with cow's milk. It is firm, smooth, melts, and a bit spicy. The cheese typically ages about four months and comes in 8 kilos (17.6 lbs) wheels. It is often enjoyed as part of a cheese platter, in cooking, or simply on its own.
The cheese's production follows traditional methods, ensuring a high-quality product that reflects the culinary heritage of the region.
Nut Rebel is an Austrian cheese hailing from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is firm, creamy, and semi-hard.
The aromas are pleasant and nutty, while the flavors are smooth, nutty, and sweet, reminiscent of vanilla and gingerbread due to the addition of crunchy walnut pieces to the milk during winter.
Mountain Rebel is an Austrian cheese hailing from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, creamy, and compact.
The aromas are intense and spicy, reminiscent of biscuits, dark chocolate, and malt. The flavors are fruity and creamy, reminiscent of honey, malt, and passion fruit. This cheese has won a gold medal at the World Cheese Awards in 2008.
Hay Flower Rebel is an Austrian cheese hailing from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, firm, and creamy.
The aromas are woody and floral, while the flavors are grassy, creamy, and floral, with an aftertaste of honey and young wood. This cheese has won a bronze medal at the World Cheese Awards in 2014.
Fitness Rebel is an Austrian cheese hailing from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Underneath its natural rind, the texture is semi-hard, open, creamy, and compact.
The aromas are intense and fresh, reminiscent of flower meadows, while the flavors are creamy, milky, and citrusy, with a slightly yogurty aftertaste.
Carrot Rebel is an Austrian cheese hailing from Sulzberg, where it’s produced by Sulzberger Käserebellen Sennerei. The cheese is made from raw milk of cows that feed on a diet of dried hay, grains of corn, and herbs. Carrot juice is added for color and aroma.
Underneath its deep orange natural rind, the texture is creamy and semi-hard. The aromas are intense, sweet, and fruity, reminiscent of carrots, bananas, caramel, and dried fruit, while the flavors are fruity, nutty, sweet, and creamy, with an aftertaste of roasted chestnuts and rye bread.
Best Austrian Semi-hard Cheeses
Alma Vorarlberger Bergkäse mind. 12 Monate gereift is a cheese produced by Rupp Käseexport. This cheese is a traditional product from the Vorarlberg region in Austria. It is an alpine cheese that has been aged for a minimum of 12 months. The aging process enhances its complex flavor profile, resulting in a robust and aromatic cheese with a firm texture.
The g. U. designation indicates that it is a product with a protected designation of origin, ensuring its authenticity and regional specificity.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Super Gold
2023
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022
Ländle Klostertaler 7 Monate is a cheese product made by Vorarlberg Milch, an Austrian dairy cooperative. This cheese is known for its extra maturity and rich flavor, which is achieved through an extended aging process. It is produced in the Vorarlberg region, which is renowned for its high-quality dairy products.
The cheese has a firm texture and a complex taste profile, making it suitable for a variety of culinary applications from cheese platters to cooking.
AWARDS
World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022, 2021
AWARDS
World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2020
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