Grand Carré

1. History

Grand Carré is a cheese produced in Haute-Savoie by the Paccard cheese dairy, located at the place called « Grand Carré », a mountain at the end of the Aravis chain. This cheese represents the cheesemaking expertise of the French Alpine region. Its history is part of the long tradition of mountain cheese production in Savoie.

2. Physical characteristics

Grand Carré is a cow's milk cheese with cooked and pressed paste, featuring a rubbed, solid and grainy rind of golden yellow to brown color. It has a wheel shape with a straight or slightly convex heel, with a diameter of 50 to 75 cm and a height of 8 to 13 cm. Each wheel weighs between 30 and 35 kilograms. The paste is smooth without openings, light yellow in color, with a dry and smooth brown rind.

3. Taste profile

Grand Carré offers a mildly salted flavor with fruity and hazelnut aromas that provide sweetness and a sweet sensation. Its texture is firm yet creamy with a pleasant fatty sensation. The overall profile is well-balanced with good length on the palate, without being strong or peppery, making it a refined and harmonious cheese.

4. Production zone and period

Grand Carré is produced exclusively in Haute-Savoie by the Paccard dairy, using raw cow's milk processed in its natural state. Aging lasts a minimum of 1 year, allowing the cheese to fully develop its organoleptic characteristics. This artisanal production guarantees the quality and authenticity of the product.

5. Certification

Grand Carré does not hold official AOC, AOP or IGP certification. It is a cheese of Savoyard regional tradition, produced according to traditional methods by a small family dairy. Its status as an artisanal cheese without controlled appellation does not diminish its quality and authenticity.