Gruyère d’Alpage AOP from Le Bucley is a Swiss hard cheese made from raw cow’s milk, produced by Cédric Rochat’s family on their mountain farm above Les Bioux, in the canton of Vaud. It is made at around 1,433 metres above sea level during the summer grazing season and carries the AOP protected designation of origin.
The milk comes from cows grazing on the Bucley and Pré d’Etoy pastures and is processed directly on the farm. The diversity of mountain grasses and flora contributes to its character, while the traditional Gruyère d’Alpage method involves heating over a wood fire and pressing the curd in cloth.
This type of Gruyère has a refined, distinctive, fruity flavour, with salty nuances whose intensity depends on its maturity. Its aroma evolves as the cheese ages, reflecting the milk’s origin and the characteristics of the pastures. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese selection, allowing its seasonal character to shine.
Producer
Le Bucley is a Swiss mountain cheese dairy and seasonal farm above the village of Les Bioux, in the Vallée de Joux, in the canton of Vaud, known for producing Gruyère d’Alpage AOP. The farm has been managed by Cédric Rochat’s family since 2022, continuing a much older local cheesemaking tradition.
Situated at around 1,433 metres above sea level, at the foot of Mont Tendre, Le Bucley has belonged to the municipality of L’Abbaye since at least 1666. During the summer season, cows graze on the Bucley and Pré d’Etoy pastures, and their milk is made into cheese directly on the farm.
Its distinctive approach combines seasonal grazing with cheesemaking on the mountain itself. The dairy has a 1,400-litre vat and its own cheese cellar, while the herdswoman and cheesemaker live on the property during the season. Its main product is Gruyère d’Alpage AOP, while visitors can also purchase sérac, a whey cheese, and raclette directly from the farm.
Today, Le Bucley operates as a seasonal artisan producer, selling directly to customers and working with specialist partners for cheese maturation and distribution.