Farmhouse Valençay AOP by Quentin Duterde

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

This fresh cheese comes with a rustic blue grey color, its edible rind formed by its natural molds and darkened with a dusting of charcoal. Taking its name from the town of Valenҫay in the Loire Valley, it exudes a slight goaty aroma, and has a fresh, citrusy taste. The pate is smooth and creamy, and aged longer, it develops a nuttier, stronger taste, characteristic of goat cheeses.

PAIRINGS AND PREPARATION

Valenҫay is wonderful on its own or as part of a cheese platter. Sprinkle it warm on top of salads, and pair with a crisp, dry white wine such as that of Sileni Estates The Straits Sauvignon Blanc. It is also a brilliant ingredient that takes a good quiche to the next level.

A NAPOLEONIC TANTRUM

The Valenҫay goat cheese has an incredible story attached to it. As it goes, the cheese used to take the form of a perfect pyramid. That is, until Napoleon Bonaparte arrived from a disastrous military campaign to Egypt. Upon arriving at Valenҫay for a dinner and served the cheese, unpleasant memories were triggered by the pyramid-shaped delicacy. In anger, Napoleon supposedly took his sword and sliced the top of the cheese. It has been made in this shape since.

Storage Instructions

Cheeses (except brined ones in jars) should be stored in the crisper or the butter drawer of a refrigerator, not on the shelves themselves. This is to help regulate their temperature and humidity levels—and prevents the formation of mold. Once opened, they should not be kept in their original packaging. Soft cheeses with delicate rinds need to breathe, so they are best placed in glass containers lined with paper towels to absorb extra moisture. Leave the lid open a tiny bit for air to circulate and don’t forget to write up a label with the date you first opened the package.

Air-flown cheeses are brought in as per demand. Fresh cheeses do not have a long shelf life as they contain less to no preservatives at all. Kindly consult the best before date label indicated on our variants before ordering.It is recommended that they be consumed within 1 week upon arrival at your residence.