Manufactured by Emmi, award winning swiss cheese makers, these massive wheels are made from unpasteurized cow milk and aged in the Kaltbach caves in the Swiss canton of Lucerne for at least 1 year. As a result of the aging process in these caves, it develops a natural black rind and a dense texture with a nutty and slightly tangy flavor. One of the three traditional ingredients to fondue (along with Appenzeller and Gruyere) this is a perfect melting cheese but ideal to be eaten on its own with hearty bread and red wine.