Crete · Greece
Graviera Kritis.
Graviera Kritis unfolds with the sweetness of caramelized hay and toasted nuts, its hard, crystalline texture melting into creamy butter on the tongue. The Cretan sheep's milk lends a delicate grassiness that whispers beneath rich, honeyed notes—a cheese that tastes of sun-warmed pastures and time. Each bite is mild yet layered, never aggressive, with the subtle minerality of Mediterranean terroir.
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The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Graviera Kritis is the protected Cretan member of the graviera family. It uses predominantly sheep's milk and has a sweeter, nuttier character.
It has been made in Crete since the early 20th century, adapted from Swiss Gruyère techniques by Greek cheesemakers. PDO was granted in 1996.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Sheep · raw
- Family
- Hard
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 3–24 mo
- Protected
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
Caseo's flavour axes are drawn from each cheese's flavour and aroma profile. This is Graviera Kritis's fingerprint.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Estimated values — based on similar cheese family data
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for hard cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 30–60 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Use a sturdy knife, or break it into craggy chunks with a spike — shards and shavings beat neat slices.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Graviera.
26 pairings across 8 categories.
Wine
Spirits
Fruits & Jams
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Graviera Kritis are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Graviera Kritis at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
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