September 28, 2023

Cheese Wisdom: An herb-crusted goat square cheese

Lively and creamy with tongue-tingling contrast

by Anita Skogland

The cheese: Le Carre du Berry Fromage de Chevre, P. Jacquin & Fils, La Vernelle, Poitou, France
Where to purchase: Orrman’s Cheese Shop
Price: $18/half-pound

The style: Goat’s milk that is similar to cream cheese in texture and aged in square molds. Dusted with fresh herbs, peppercorns, and juniper berries, it yields a bright, floral aroma and flavor.
Flavor profile: The herbs and berries dry on the aging cheese to present a delicate herbal crust to contrast with the soft cream interior. There is a bit of tang on the finish.
How to enjoy: Spread on fresh-baked, crusty bread. Serve with smoked salmon, juicy red pear, fresh figs, or as a side to tomato soup.

Wine pairings: Dry white wine (sauvignon blanc, chablis, Roero Arneis) or lightly chilled beaujolais.

Extra reading: Third-generation family producers use the milk produced when the goats are eating the rich, fresh grass along the Loire River in the spring for this cheese.

Check out the rest of our Cheese Wisdom picks!