Why I love French cheese reason #191; le Saint-Domnin de Provence.
A cheese so divine that it deserves to be named after a saint.
Imagine a cheese that is lusciously creamy and meltingly soft on your tongue. It tastes slightly bitter and peppery with hints of tangy citrus and mild mushroom that linger on and on. All these flavors are then rounded out by the intriguing, almost imperceptible but not quite, essence of lavender.
I wish I could describe it more adequately.
Instead I'll just insist that you come to France and try it for yourself, because I don't think they export this heavenly little fromage.
Ok, I'm done extolling its virtues. Now on to the facts.
Le Saint-Domnin is produced on a small farm, Le Petit Jabron, located in the shadow of Mont Ventoux. The family produces several kinds of unpasteurized fromage de chèvre from their herd of 230 goats which graze amongst the olive trees and lavender fields of the Haut-Provence.
Its unusual name comes from a 12th century chapel near the farm that is situated on the ancient pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela.
A classic wine pairing would be a Sancerre from the Loire Valley, but I think this lavender infused cheese would also pair well with a light red or rosé from Provence.
Pin It
10 comments:
Oh my, this looks heavenly. Can you buy it locally? I want to come to see you and taste this cheese!
Spending the summer in France sounds great but it might have to wait until next year. I have to make a list of your favorite cheese and try them all.
The hint of lavender does indeed sound divine. I will be sure to keep an eye out for this one! I bet it's a lovely one for summer.
I love goats cheese and will look out for this. Wish I could convince my husband that goats cheese is good :) Diane
It might be difficult to find in France already...
This is one I have not tried and now I MUST!
Betty
Found it in les Halles in Narbonne so we can get some for you next time you come down. Or you might be able to find it in a Fromagerie in Montpellier.
Nadege
Hope you get back soon with your list!
Camille
I think it would really stand out on a cheese board. Hope you find it, let me know.
Diane
Sorry to hear that your husband isn't a fan. I have a few friends who aren't either, but my husband, fortunately, loves cheese as much as I do.
Nathalie
You're right, it is made by a very small producer and probably not widely available.
Guess I should have written to come to Narbonne (where I found it) or to Provence to get this cheese...
Andi
It was one of the best. Ever!
We love French cheese and the endless number of varieties is a complete joy. I will look out for this one - what do you think of the chances of finding it in the Loire next time we're chez nous?
Jean
Do you have a good Fromagerie near you? If they don't have it, I would ask if they can order some or go to the producer's website and ask if they sell to anyone in the region.
Post a Comment