Gourmino / Käserei Fritzenhaus Hornbacher (per oz)

Made by master cheesemaker Michael Spycher at the small Käserei Fritzenhaus in Switzerland’s Emmental region, Hornbacher is a beautifully savory, washed-rind Alpine cheese made from raw cow’s milk.

Hornbacher was crowned 2024 World Champion Cheese, earning an extraordinary 98.98 out of 100 and finishing first among more than 3,300 cheeses from 25 countries.

Rich and deeply flavorful, it has a creamy yet gently crumbly texture with pronounced umami, along with notes of roasted hazelnuts, browned butter, caramelized onion and baked potato. The cheese develops remarkable complexity as it matures while retaining a supple, satisfying mouthfeel.

It is a wonderful cheese-board companion for the elegant Adamswein selections above — particularly the Spätburgunder — where its nutty, earthy and savory character complements Pinot Noir beautifully.

A world-champion Swiss cheese for a very special bottle of wine.

About the Cheese

Hornbacher is a raw milk washed-rind cheese handcrafted at Käserei Fritzenhaus in the Emmental region of Switzerland. Aged and selected by Gourmino — one of Switzerland's premier affineurs — this is a cheese of remarkable depth and character, made from the rich fresh milk of local cows and brought to peak maturity by 4-time World Cheese Champion Michael Spycher.

Price is per ounce. Please specify your desired quantity at checkout.

Tasting Notes

• Rind: Washed, rustic — aromas of baked potato and earthy cellar
• Paste: Supple, semi-firm, ivory to golden
• Flavor: Roasted nuts, umami, caramel, and sweet onion — complex and deeply satisfying
• Finish: Long, savory, and warming

The Cheesemaker

“I learned the art of cheesemaking as a very young man. Through further training I became a master cheesemaker. However, I am convinced that there are many things that cannot be learned to become a world champion. Personally, I often rely on my gut feeling and experience.”

— Michael Spycher, 4-time World Cheese Champion, Käserei Fritzenhaus

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at room temperature on a cheese board with crusty bread and cornichons
• Pair with Alsatian Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, or a malty amber ale
• Melt over roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a croque monsieur
• Excellent alongside cured meats, walnuts, and quince paste

Product Details

• Producer: Käserei Fritzenhaus / Gourmino
• Affineur: Michael Spycher
• Cheese Type: Washed-Rind, Raw Cow’s Milk
• Origin: Emmental, Switzerland
• Pricing: Per ounce