Description: BOURGOGNE - In many ways, this is similar to the classic Epoisses, the cheese is washed every few days in a bath of Chablis wine, creating a delicate sweetness and a pungent aroma. The rind starts out a pale orange color, then darkens to a copper hue as it matures. Wonderful paired with Pinot Noir, wheat beer and onion jam.
EPOISSES (ay-PWAHSS)
Description: BOURGOGNE - One of the great classic french cheeses in the world. Aromatic, yes, but only skin deep, a blond interior and is brimming with meaty, creamy custardy richness. Created my monks in the village of Epoisses, it was (and still is) washed daily in Marc de Bourgogne. Pairs perfectly with nut bread and fine Burgundy.
MUENSTER (MUN-ster)
Description: ALSACE - Named after the village of Munster. This French original is the authentic one and quite different from German or American versions. The rind is wonderfully stinky, brick-red colored disc, the interior is supple and golden, slightly sticky and sweet, with huge flavor, rich and beefy. Pair with a Riesling or beer.
PORT SALUT (POR sa-LOO)
Description: BRITTANY- This popular soft, supple and easy eating cheese has a mild taste. It is now produced at larger production facilities in Lorraine. It is shaped in thick wheels with a dense, pale yellow interior and a bright orange rind. This cheese is popular for breakfast and snacking, especially with fruit. Enjoy with a white wine.
RED HAWK (red hawk)
Description: CALIFORNIA - The only organic triple-cream, washed rind cheese known to us. Pungent russet red fragile crust. Luscious and briny center, a full-on savory, bacony, oniony bomb! with melt-in-your-mouth buttery, fudgy texture with a heft that doesn't become to runny. Pair with fig jam, hazelnut raisin crackers and Gewurtztraminer.
SAINT ALBRAY (SAN ALL-bray)
Description: FRANCE - Made in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in Basque Country, Saint Albray combines the flavor of a mellow Bloomy-Rind Cheese, (especially when young), with the heartiness of a traditional Washed-Rind Cheese as it matures. Enjoy with a crusty bread, fruit chutney and a glass of Red Bordeaux.
TALEGGIO (ta-LEDGE-oh)
Description: LOMBARDY - A deliciously rich, bulging pillow of cheese made since the 11th century. This wonderful cheese has a fresh, desirable farmyard aroma and its creamy paste melts in your mouth. Terrific on its own, or as traditionally seen in Italy sliced over hot polenta. Taleggio pairs nicely with Italian Nebbiolo wines.
