This is the first of what I hope turns out to be many postings on sampling French cheeses. I just finished a tasting of three cheeses I picked up at the Uzès market and I’m in love. Certainly I’m no cheese expert, but through these posts I hope to educate myself as well as introduce some of you to one of France’s great pleasures.
And now this week’s selection:
Starting from the left we have,
Rochebaron, a commercial cheese made from cow’s milk in the Auvergne region of France. Mild in flavor but distinctly blue it would make a nice breakfast blue if you are so inclined.
On the right we have a Camembert brebis (sheep).
First, I must say that Don loved this cheese and I have to agree. Combines a subtle sheepiness with everything we appreciate about camembert, creamy and somewhat pungent. Un délice!
In the center we have the strongest tasting of the three – Bleu des Basques.
For a blue cheese lover this is a must try. Another brebis, Bleu des Basques is a commercial brand from Pyrénées-Atlantiques created in 2001. It has a strong blue flavor without being overwhelming and a rich consistency that melts in your mouth.
For links to all the posts in this series see the South of France page.