Tomme de Haut-Richeliu
- Producer
- Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser
- Country
- Canada
- Region
- Quebec
- Size
- 3” tall, 10” diameter
- Weight
- 4 ½ lbs
- Website
- www.fkaiser.com
- Milk
- Goat
- Classification
- Semi Soft
- Rennet
- Vegetable
- Rind
- Washed
Founded by Fritz Kaiser in 1981, Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser is located near the U.S. border in Noyan, Canada. M. Kaiser was born in Switzerland, but moved to Quebec at a young age. He is most famous for producing Canada’s first version of Raclette, which highlights his focus on bringing traditional Swiss cheeses to Canada.
The Fromagerie produces a range of cheeses made from cow, sheep and goat’s milk, many of which are unique washed rind cheeses. Four of the 25 cheeses that Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser produces have won major awards including those from the World Cheese Competition, American Cheese Society and Grand Prix de Fromages Canadians.
Tomme de Haut-Richeliu was created in response to a milk accident. In 2003, the Fromagerie received too much goat’s milk for the soft cheese that was being produced. In order to prevent the milk from spoiling, Fritz decided to make a firmer cheese that would have a longer shelf life. The result was this washed rind cheese with a thin layer of white mold covering its bright orange rind.
Tasting Notes
The interior paste is ivory white in the middle, which graduates to a light beige toward the rind. Its aroma is sweet and clean with notes of damp earth, reminiscent of a pasture right after a spring rain. The interior of the cheese has a slightly tangy flavor with savory notes in the finish and a smooth, silky texture. The rind has the flavor of wet stone.
Pairings
Like many goat milk cheeses, Tomme de Haut-Richeliu pairs very well with dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or un-oaked Chardonnay. It is delightful when served with dried fruit such as apricots or figs.
