This month we are featuring two very different cheeses made by the same cheesemaker, Fromagerie Au Gré des Champs, along with the third cheese from Fromagerie Le Detour.
Cheese Club – July 2018
FROMAGERIE LE DETOUR, Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, Québec
Grey Owl
- Type of milk: Pasteurized ’s milk
- Texture: Soft
- Awards and distinctions: 2017 British Empire Cheese Show, 2nd in it’s category, 2015 Sélection CASEUS
This irresistible cheese is made from goat’s milk alone has a dark vegetable ash coating that contrasts sharply against the snow-white cheese. Its creamy smooth texture and light grey coating will enhance any cheese platter. Did you know that it was among the latest royal wedding items on the menu? It is believed to be Meghan Markle’s favourite.
Tasting Notes
Grey Owl is a soft and decadent, with a wrinkly, slate-coloured and piquant smelling edible rind. The smooth, tangy, crisp and silky texture melts in your mouth with pleasing sharp and lemony flavours.
Pairing opportunities:
Grey Owl pairs well with a dry Riesling or a nice crisp dry Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red wine, try a Beaujolais. When choosing a beer look for a Blonde Ale.
FROMAGERIE AU GRÉ DES CHAMPS, St-Jean-sur-le-Richelieu, Québec
D’Iberville
- Type of milk: Farmstead organic raw cow’s milk
- This particular batch of D’Iberville was made from pasture-fed cow’s milk (as opposed to a ‘winter’ cheese where the cows would have been eating dry hay.) The date it was made is in May, so these would have been cows fresh out and dancing in the fields after the long winter! (Google cows dancing)
- Texture: Semi Soft
Le D’Iberville is named after the place where it is made. Before municipal mergers, the Fromagerie was located in the town of Saint-Athanase-d’Iberville. This raw milk, farmstead cheese is semi-soft with a washed rind. It is certified organic by Garantie Bio-Ecocert.
Tasting notes
Le D’Iberville features rustic, herbal aromas, and a taste that is herbal and floral with mushroom overtones.
Pairing opportunities
This cheese pairs well with ice wine. A light- bodied Cabernet Sauvignon a Riesling and blonde beer would also be good choices.
Carignan-Salières
- Type of milk: Farmstead organic raw cow’s milk
- Texture: Firm
First made in 2016 to celebrate the 350th anniversary of St-Jean sur le Richelieu, Carignan-Salières is rustic looking and yet of great elegance. The name is borrowed from the old French regiment formed in 1671, Carignan-Salières.
Tasting Notes
The rind is washed with a red wine made by Le Mas des Patriotes, a regional winery. After being aged 5 months, its dense and very aromatic paste develops candied fruits and roasted notes. This cheese has a wonderful flavour and is mild, sweet and nutty.
Pairing opportunities:
Le Carignan-Salières pairs well with a Merlot or a Sauvignon Blanc. When pairing it with a beer, we suggest a Belgium beer.