In the world of European cheeses, Le Maréchal is a relative newcomer, as cheesemaker Jean-Michel Rapin only started making it in 1992. The cheese is named after his grandfather who was a blacksmith, or as they say in French, a "Le maréchal-ferrant." Every wheel of Le Maréchal cheese has a large picture of the grandfather on the label and the cheesemaker says the cheese reflects his grandfather's "original and robust character."

The flavor of Le Maréchal is robust, and although it will remind you of other Swiss cheeses like Gruyere and Appenzeller, the flavor is unique. Le Maréchal has more of a savory flavor, more herbal and ever-so-slightly musty. Like some other Swiss cheeses, dried herbs are rubbed onto each wheel as it ages, which is where this subtly herbal flavor comes from.

The cheesemaker says Le Maréchal can be served "up in the mountains on a picnic napkin" which sounds fantastic - but for those of us who don't live anywhere near a Swiss mountain range, we'll have to settle for eating it at home. Paired with figs or fig spread and a glass of dry white wine, trust me, you'll be perfectly happy.