Farmhouse Tomme cheese made from raw milk
Hay Milk - minimum 6 month aged

You might have seen the Maison Marie Séverac stand at Cheese Berlin 2024, with François expertly slicing the small wheels of cheese to the delight of visitors. We were among those visitors, and with so many cheeses on display, you wouldn’t be wrong to guess that one of our team members is French—and indeed, that very team member has a deep appreciation for a good Cantal cheese.

What a pleasant surprise it was to discover this unique little wheel: a modern twist on Cantal cheese, produced using ancestral methods passed down through generations. Le Sénerac is made entirely by hand on the farm, using raw milk from Salers cows grazing on mineral-rich volcanic pastures at over 1,000 meters altitude. We decided to introduce its 6-month hay milk version first, as it struck the perfect balance we were looking for. The flavor profile is nutty, spicy with a tangy kick that evolves into a creamy finish, featuring delicate notes of hay and honey, fruity and floral. It has a distinct character but is wonderfully balanced—a complex cheese that is sure to be a crowd favorite.

LE SÉNERAC

“Since the beginning of time, my ancestors migrated to the mountains in the summer, in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes, and lived in ‘burons,’ stone-built structures with slate roofs. At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, the herd of Salers cows grazed on exceptionally lush grasslands. This is the source of milk with an incomparable taste. After milking, the milk was collected in a wooden ‘gerle’ (a traditional bucket) and transported to be transformed into Salers cheese wheels.

This unique production method is now endangered as it requires extensive manual labor. The idea behind Le Sénerac was born from the desire to keep this ancient craftsmanship alive. This is why we continue to produce and refine cheese using the same methods as my grandmother, Marie Séverac, after whom our establishment is named.

My greatest wish is that, thanks to you, we can revive this beautiful and touching tradition of raw milk cheese from Cantal.”

Pierre Lantuéjoul, Founder, Affineur

THE REGION

Our pastures are located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in the heart of the Auvergne Regional Nature Park, renowned for its volcanic landscape. The Cantal mountain range is formed from the remnants of the largest volcano in Europe, which once covered the entire present-day Cantal department. These stunning wild landscapes are diverse, featuring plateaus, windy ridges, cool valleys, lakes, peat bogs, and expansive green meadows as far as the eye can see.

The volcanic and basalt soils are rich in phosphorus and minerals, providing abundant grass for the pastures. The richness of the soil has led to the development of an exceptional biodiversity, including a unique flora: the summer pastures in the volcanoes boast no less than 120 different grass species per square meter. As a result, Le Sénerac develops a variety of flavors—floral and fruity in the spring, and notes of blueberries and mushrooms in the fall.

THE PRODUCT

With a weight of around 700 grams and a modern, portable format, Le Sénerac aims to showcase the high-quality milk from Cantal as well as the hard work of our producers.

Le Sénerac is an Auvergne cheese made on the farm and by hand, the result of an ancient savoir-faire. It belongs to the family of uncooked, pressed cheeses typical of our mountains. Its rind is dry, floral, and delicious!

THE AGING PROCESS

Le Sénerac is aged in our own state-of-the-art underground stone cellars, where temperature, humidity, and hygiene standards are continuously monitored. Our cheeses are hand-rubbed and turned several times a week for a minimum of three months and up to eight months. This process encourages the development of a beautiful, even, 100% natural rind with golden specks.

FOR HOME DELIVERY IN BERLIN:

1. Delivery Area: We provide home delivery services within the ring in Berlin.

2. Temperature-Sensitive Items: We deliver temperature-sensitive items such as eggs, dairy, and meat.

3. Delivery Method: Our deliveries within Berlin are made using cargo bikes, ensuring timely and efficient service.

4. Shipping within Germany: For deliveries outside of Berlin, we utilize DPD services to ship within Germany. Please refer to DPD's shipping and return policies for more information.

5. Return Policy: If you receive a damaged item, you must notify us within one day of delivery. Due to the sensitive nature of our products, we cannot guarantee the storage conditions after delivery. Therefore, we offer a 1-day return policy for damaged items.

6. Verification of Certain Items: We understand that some items can only be assessed once opened, smelled, or tasted. This includes products like wine, spices, cheeses, and other select perishable items that require sensory evaluation. We are open to discussing such cases individually to ensure customer satisfaction and address any concerns regarding these specific items.

7. Compensation for Damaged, Expired, or Missing Items: If we are responsible for a damaged, expired, or missing item, we will provide appropriate compensation options. These may include bringing a similar item for free from the next day onwards, issuing a refund, or providing a discount code for future orders. In case an item would not be consumable despite of not having reached the expiry date, or its container being damaged, please contact us within 24h (.5).

CONCERNING THE WINE SECTION :

Understanding Our Wine Quality Process: We carefully select and taste each wine with Rocket Wine to ensure it meets our standards and matches the detailed descriptions on our webshop. However, we recognize that every palate is unique, and sometimes a wine may not align with your expectations.

If you suspect that your wine is corked or doesn't taste as it should, we're here to support you. We kindly ask that you bring the bottle to our, or Rocket Wine location. This allows us to taste the wine and accurately determine the issue, as this is the most effective method to assess these particular concerns.

We value your input and understand that taste can be subjective. While we strive to provide thorough information and taste profiles for each wine, personal preferences may vary. That's why we invite you to bring in any wine you feel is not up to standard. Please note that for a refund or exchange, the bottle should have more than 50cl remaining.

By following this process, we aim to ensure fairness and maintain the high-quality wine experience you expect from us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this delicate matter.

FOR SHIPPING WITHIN GERMANY:

1. Advisory for Temperature-Sensitive and Fragile Items: We advise against ordering dairy, meat, or other temperature-sensitive items, as well as fragile or freshness time-sensitive products like bread and pastries, for shipping. However, if a customer decides to order these items for shipping, we will take precautions to maintain their quality. We will pack the items using thermofoam boxes, ice pads, and/or protective fillings to help preserve their condition during transit. Please note that despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee the freshness or quality of these items upon reception.

2. Shipping Provider: We utilize DPD services for shipping orders. Please familiarize yourself with DPD's shipping and return policies for any concerns regarding the shipping process.

Additional Recommendations: To ensure optimal satisfaction, we recommend reviewing the storage instructions and expiration dates of items received through our service. Proper storage and timely consumption are crucial for maintaining the quality of temperature-sensitive and perishable products.

For any inquiries, questions, or assistance, you can contact us at info@archipel.berlin. By placing an order with Archipel Berlin, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions. We strive to provide a reliable and high-quality grocery delivery service and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the best possible experience for all our customers.