Several famous families have played significant roles in the creation and popularization of artisanal cheese, particularly in Europe, where cheese-making traditions date back centuries. Here are a few notable families:
The Roquefort Family (France)
The Roquefort cheese, a world-renowned blue cheese, owes much of its fame to the Roquefort families in France. The ancient cheese-making tradition in the region of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon is closely tied to these families, who have been producing this distinctive blue cheese for centuries. The caves of Roquefort, with their unique climate, provide the ideal environment for the Penicillium roqueforti mold to develop, giving the cheese its characteristic flavor and texture. The most famous of these families is the Papillon family, who have been producing Roquefort cheese since 1906.
The Alpage Families (Switzerland)
In the Swiss Alps, the production of Alpage cheese, such as Gruyère and Emmental, has been a family affair for generations. These families, often living in remote mountain regions, follow traditional cheese-making methods that have been passed down through the ages. The cows graze on high-altitude pastures, giving the cheese its unique flavor profile. The Rüegsegger family, for example, is well-known for their production of Gruyère cheese, a staple of Swiss artisanal cheese-making.
The Quattro Portoni Family (Italy)
In Italy, the Quattro Portoni family has become a modern icon in the world of artisanal cheese. While Italy has many traditional cheese-making families, the Gritti brothers of Quattro Portoni in Bergamo have gained fame for their innovative use of buffalo milk in the production of high-quality cheeses, including their acclaimed Blu di Bufala. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation while maintaining artisanal techniques has earned them a respected place in the world of premium cheese.
Take a look at Artisanal selection of cheeses from France, Switzerland, and Italy.