Top French Cheeses You Have to Try …

I’ve just read an interesting article titled .. ‘10 French Cheeses To Try‘.

Funny enough, a lot of the French Cheeses mentioned are imported into Australia by us. I’ll list some of my favorite French Cheeses – You might be surprised by some of these on the list … If you haven’t tried these cheeses – Be adventurous and give them a go!

Bleu Cremeux

Bleu Cremeux – just as the name states, is a mild and creamy cow’s milk cheese, made in the Auvergne region of South France. The cheese is characterized by its blue-green mold. The Bleu Cremeux has a relatively clear and sharp flavor. This cheese is perfect for a cheese board or can be used for hot dishes in place for gorgonzola. Particularly mild, the Blue Cremeux is the perfect blue cheese for beginners, and as an accompaniment to wine.

Comte

Comté is the king of French cheeses – every wheel is hand-made using raw cow’s milk and aged in enormous caves. During a maturation, which lasts anywhere from 6 months to 24 months the 35kg wheels of cheese develop an amazing depth of flavour – the underlying sweet note is accompanied by a rich flavour of roasted nuts and subtle creamy, yeasty finish. Comte is delicious paired with sparkling wines and Pinot Noir.

Pico

A very unique goat cheese from the region of Perigord in France. Pico is creamy and dense, soft-ripened with a slight white mold. Typically compared to Camembert – but very different as pico is especially made with goats milk. Pico is sold at a relatively young maturity, the cheese will develop as it ages, changing into a much more complex and pungent chevre. Very flavorful and very aromatic, with hazelnut notes. A must try for goat cheese lovers!

Langres

Langres is a French cow’s milk cheese that originated from the plateau of Langres in the region of the Champagne Ardenne, France. Langres has been granted the AOC designation – which means that this cheese is protected and can only be produced in the Champagne Ardenne area of France. Langres is surrounded by a washed rind, the centre of the cheese is a bit soft and crumbly, and appears creamy in colour.

It is milder than the more famous Epoisses, but slightly salty with a strong smell. The firm pate melts in the mouth, leaving a complex taste. It looks great on the cheeseboard, and goes well with a salad, Red Wine from Burgundy, Marc de Bourgogne or Champagne. You will love this cheese. Don’t be scared by the look of it .. It is not real strong.

Chaource

 

Chaource is another AOP cheese whose reputation is rapidly evolving. Chaource is  manufactured in the heart of the Champagne region of France.  It is smooth and a superior soft cheese with a bloomy rind. If you are a brie / camembert fan – you will love this cheese. It is a very similar style cheese – however it is much taller and therefore much creamier in the center.

Cremeux D’Argental

The Cremeux D’Argental is a soft white mould cheese with a slight hint of mushrooms and a delicious soft, silky interior. This cheese is perfect if you love mild, creamy cheeses. Crémeux d’Argental is a cheese in its own right and should not to be confused with a French Brie – Although very similar, you can see that the Cremeux D’Argental is a little thicker – it is traditionally made in 2kg wheels. It has indulgent buttery characteristics as it is produced from milk that has been specially filtered to yield a silkier texture than Brie. A must on your to try list!

Petit Soumaintrain

A soft cheese, named after the village located 15km from Auxon in the area of Yvonne in Burgundy. You will love this cheese. It is one of my favouries. It is a very soft, delicate and fluffy cheese. As it matures, it becomes really soft and oozy. It does pack a bit of a punch – The Petit Soumaintrain will please the hardcore French cheese lovers! The cheese tastes excellent with Chablis, Rose, Petite Sirah and of course Marc de Bourgogne.

Emmental

Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard cheese that originated in the area around Emmental, in Switzerland. It is one of the cheeses of Switzerland, and is sometimes known as Swiss cheese. We do sell a French version of this cheese which is made on the border of France / Switzerland. It’s a very popular cheese especially used for grilling – Best known for being melted on top of a traditional French Onion Soup! Yum..

 

Some other cheeses you might want to try are

• Val D’Armance
• Cantal
• Tomme De Savoie

Comment below on your thoughts..