Tête de Moine AOP
Fromagerie de Bellelay · Bernese Jura, Switzerland
Nutty, fruity and faintly spicy, shaved into delicate rosettes that melt on the tongue.
The cheese
Tête de Moine means "monk's head". The monks of Bellelay Abbey in the Swiss Jura were making it more than 800 years ago. Today it carries AOP status, so every wheel is made in the Bernese Jura from raw cow's milk from local pastures, then matured slowly with a washed rind.
Tasting notes
The paste is firm, supple and pale yellow. Shaving it rather than slicing it exposes more of the cheese to the air, which releases its aroma: alpine herbs, toasted nuts, ripe fruit and a gentle spice. On the tongue the rosettes turn silky and almost weightless. Shaving also softens the salt and lets the sweeter, fruitier notes come forward.
How to enjoy
Shave it with a girolle, the rotating knife made for this cheese, and pile the rosettes high on a board. Serve with dried figs and crispbreads. Pour a Swiss Chasselas, a dry Riesling or a light Pinot Noir. The half wheel suits a dinner party; the whole wheel keeps for weeks, so it suits a crowd. Bring the wheel to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaving, and cover the cut face with its lid or cling wrap between uses.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping options
Free pickup in store (Paddington) is available for all orders.
Local courier (within 40km of Paddington): Rates calculated at checkout based on distance.
Refrigerated delivery available to parts of NSW, ACT, Victoria and Queensland. See our shipping policy for more details.
How will my order arrive?
Temperature-sensitive orders are packed with insulation and ice packs to help them arrive in great condition. Couriers are instructed to leave parcels in a safe place where possible. If re-delivery is required, a re-delivery fee may apply.
For full details, refer to our shipping policy here.
Important to note
If you’re sending cheese as a gift, please provide the recipient’s mobile number and let them know to expect delivery.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about your order, please contact us. We'll aim to get back to you within 24 hours.