Mons Selection Perail

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Mons Selection Pérail is a cheese of quiet softness and understated charm. Its small, round form is cloaked in a thin, natural rind—slightly wrinkled, almost fragile—hinting at the delicate interior it protects. As it matures, the pâte becomes increasingly supple, shifting from soft and slightly crumbly at the core to lusciously creamy just beneath the rind.

On the nose, it offers a clean, lactic aroma with subtle hints of fresh hay and warm milk. There is a gentle earthiness, never overpowering, that reflects its pastoral origins. The flavor follows this same restraint. It opens with a mild tang typical of sheep’s milk, balanced by a soft, milky sweetness that rounds the palate.

The texture is where Pérail truly captivates. At peak ripeness, it becomes almost spoonable—silky and fluid near the rind, with a more structured center that adds dimension. The mouthfeel is light yet enveloping, offering richness without heaviness.

As it lingers, delicate notes of nuts and a faint herbaceous quality emerge, leaving a clean, slightly tangy finish. It is a cheese that does not demand attention, but rather rewards it—subtle, nuanced, and deeply satisfying in its simplicity.

Pairings and Suggestions

Pérail’s lightness and gentle tang make it wonderfully versatile, especially when paired with elements that highlight its creamy texture.

Simple Pairings:

Fresh Bread or Baguette – Let the cheese shine in its purest form Honey or Fig Jam – Enhances its natural sweetness Fresh Fruits – Grapes, pears, or apples for balance

Elevated Ideas:

Warm on Toast – Lightly melted for a soft, indulgent bite With Nuts & Herbs – Almonds, walnuts, or thyme to complement its profile Cheese Board Centerpiece – Paired with other soft cheeses and light charcuterie

Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its evolving texture and flavor.

A Cheese of the Causses

Pérail originates from the rugged limestone plateaus of the Causses in southern France, where sheep farming has long been part of the landscape. Traditionally made from leftover milk after Roquefort production, it evolved into a delicacy in its own right—celebrated for its softness and immediacy.

Mons Selection brings this regional specialty into a refined context, working closely with producers to select cheeses at their optimal stage of maturation. Known for its expertise in affinage, Mons ensures that each Pérail expresses its full potential—balanced, nuanced, and true to its origin.

It is a cheese that reflects both place and patience, offering a gentle expression of terroir that feels intimate and authentic.

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated. Store in its original wrapping or breathable cheese paper. Remove from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before serving. Consume within a few days once opened.