Rolf Beeler ‘Hoch Ybrig’ white wine washed, alpine cheese, aged 6-8 months (Switzerland, priced per ounce)

Dense, earthy and nutty with a unique finish, this cheese which is named for a Swiss chalet that is popular among skiers, is a variation on Gruyere from Rolf Beeler, the great Swiss affineur, a master of aging cheese.  He rinses the rind of this cheese in white wine as it ripens so the finish notes have a grapey acidity reminiscent of Gruner Vetliner.  That's a good pairing too, and so is your favorite full bodied red.  - Martin Johnson, Cheesemonger 67Wine