France is a country of many different tastes. In addition to wine and sweet desserts, the country also boasts a wide range of the finest cheeses. Hard, soft and blue cheeses are among the favourite French delicacies that are not to be missed on any table. Do you know the most famous ones and what wine they go with?
Hard French cheeses
The most famous hard cheese is certainly Cantal, one of the oldest French cheeses. Cantal cheese has been produced for more than 2000 years. It is aged for about 3 months, but old Cantal can be aged for up to half a year, which gives it a more pronounced flavour. Inside, the cheese has a creamier texture, the rind is thick and greyish. This cheese goes well with lighter red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
Another popular hard cheese is Comté, which is made from the milk of cows grazing at 400 metres above sea level. Mountain cheese is produced in the areas bordering Switzerland and its taste depends on the condition of the cows themselves. It most often tastes fruity, salty, or spicy and slightly nutty. Comté can be served with Bordeaux, Gamay Noir or white Viognier.
Get to know the most famous French wines and learn what to pair them with.
Soft French cheeses
Brie - the granddaddy of all French cheeses. Its delicious taste was loved by the French monarch Louis XIV, who had to have it on his table every single day. There are two types - Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun. They are named after the towns near Paris where they are made. The flavour of Brie is at its best when paired with red Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, while white lovers can pour Chablis or delicious Champagne.
No less famous is the floral French cheese Camembert, which has been produced in the Normandy area for many years. Camembert is soft cheese of creamy consistency, its taste gradually changes along with its aging. If you want to enjoy it as the French do, pour yourself a glass with it Champagne.
Bleu - blue cheese
Perhaps the most popular blue cheese is Bleu d'Auvergne, which was born in the 19th century. Local farmers experimented with mouldy rye bread to create a delicious, aromatic and fragrant cheese, and we have to admit that they succeeded. Its flavour can be enjoyed in combination with sweet Maury.
If you haven't heard of a cheese called Roquefort, you should remedy that immediately. It is one of the most famous cheeses produced in the south of the country. Roquefort is made from sheep's milk and aged exclusively in damp caves. Sauternes is the best match for this semi-hard mould cheese.
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French cheeses are among the world's finest and most delicious cheeses. They have varied and distinctive flavours, so there is something for everyone. If you want to make the experience truly complete, be sure to serve a fine wine with your cheese.
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