Those three words...affiné au Muscadet...made my heart skip a beat.
Whenever I see a French cheese label that includes the word "affiné," I know I'll love it. Affiné means that the cheese has been ripened, bathed, washed, rubbed or wrapped in spirits, wine, herbs, nuts, even the crushed grapes left after wine making, all of which creates an intoxicating depth of flavor.
Le Curé Nantais is a soft, chewy, unpasteurized cow's milk cheese produced in Pornic, in the western Loire. This particular variety has been repeatedly washed in the local white wine, Muscadet, for three weeks.
Its medium strong flavor is an intriguing mix of mild spices, mushrooms, creamy butter and salt. I thought it was sublime!
Enjoy with a glass of, you guessed it, Muscadet.
A few more examples of cheeses matured in wine, beer, etc.
le Cameau
Vieux-Boulogne
Trappe Echourgnac
Brin d'Amour Pin It
10 comments:
Great find. I am in France this week where delicious cheese is easier to find than in Seattle, but my heart skipped a beat too! ;-) Don't know if I will find your little friend on my way to the Dordogne region next week but I will certainly look for it ;-) Veronique aka French Girl in Seattle
You are so lucky to have wonderful cheese like this! I love the way you describe it.
The cheese we have here is delicious but nothing as complex as this one.
Sounds delicious!
French Girl in Seattle - I will be in Seattle this coming weekend for a ball game and the 4th of July. My first time in the US for Independence day. Any suggestions?
The Wanderfull Traveler
I have never heard of this process, and it sounds so interesting!
Oh, I do love a good washed-rind cheese. Also, Pornic is an awesome name for a town. :)
Veronioque
Enjoy your time in France and get your fill of delicious, French cheese while you're here.
Maureen
It gives you a good reason to come to France!
Murissa
It is! I think there's a pasteurized version that may be available in North America.
Have fun in Seattle!
Lisa
There are many cheeses that are matured this way. If you find any, I highly recommend trying them. And if you find anything really delicious, please let me know! :)
Camille
Moi aussi!
We've decided to take another trip to the Loire area in October and we'll be visiting Pornic. There's also Pornichet just up the coast.
I must remember to look for affiné, I did not know that before so I must imprint it on my brain. Thanks for the info. Diane
My mouth gets really watery just by the looks of this cheese and how you describe it sounds delicious!
Diane
You won't be disappointed, I promise!
Emilie's Daughter
Thanks! I think this is a cheese that most people would love...not too strong, but full of flavor.
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