Today, Laguiole is made in three different départements: Aveyron, Cantal and Lozère by the coopérative Jeune Montagne. They are the only ones who are licensed to produce this cheese. With a 45% fat content, Laguiole has a pressed, uncooked paste made exclusively from raw, unpasteurized French Simmental or Aubrac cow’s milk collected between May and October at more than 800m altitude. 666 tonnes were produced in 1998 (-9.14% since 1996) from 20,000 – 30,000 litres of milk furnished from 79 different farms.

The Tome weighs 40-50kg and is distinguished by a bull sign and its name stamped on the rind, as well as by an aluminum identification plaque. Its production process starts with renneting before the curd is pressed in two consecutive stages. Maturing takes at least six months and may be as long as twelve months. The rind is natural and thick, the straw-colored paste supple and firm, and the texture rich and creamy. Recommended wines: Fruity red wines such as the Marcillac, Cahors or Etraygues.

Sardo is traditionally coagulated by animal rennet which is the inner lining of the fourth stomach of calves and other young ruminants. Therefore, it is not a vegetarian cheese. Its flavor is mellow, yet rich, and lightly salty. It is white-yellowish in color and is sold in blocks of about 6.5 pounds. Sardo cheese meets the U.S. Standards of Identity for cow’s milk. It makes a good choice for snack cheeses or for cooking purposes.