Fleur du Maquis Cheese | culture: the word on cheese
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Fleur du Maquis

Producer
Various
Country
France
Region
Corsica
Size
4 ins diameter, 2 ins high
Weight
1 -2 lbs
Website
Milk
Sheep
Classification
Semi Soft
Rennet
Animal
Rind
Flavored
Mold Ripened
Fleur du Maquis Cheese

Made in Corsica from the milk of Lacaune ewes, this cheese's name translates to "flower of the maquis," the "maquis" being a local term for the typical thickets of rough underbrush where highway robbers and guerrilla fighters used to hang out. This cheese also goes by "Brin d'Amour," meaning "a breath of love."

The sheep freely browse Corsica's scrubby, Mediterranean landscape and during production, to enhance the natural flavors present in the milk, the small cheeses are encrusted with rosemary, fennel seeds, juniper berries, and the occasional bird's eye chile.

When young, Fleur du Maquis is firm and moist, with citrus flavors and a slightly sour tang. With age the rind becomes dotted with a blue-grey mold. The texture of the cheese also becomes softer, absorbing the savory and herbaceous flavors of the rind.

Tasting Notes

Flavors strike a delicate balance with the herbs, enhancing the warm, bright, sheepy quality of the interior paste. If allowed to mature fully, the paste breaks down and becomes runny and stronger tasting.

Pairings

This cheese pairs well with many types of wines, particularly tempranillo and albarino. It's fun to experiment alongside honeys, too; try it with a thyme honey or a floral honey from Corsica. 

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