Mons Selection Roquefort Coulet AOP

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Roquefort Coulet AOP is one of France’s most protected and revered cheeses, produced exclusively from raw sheep’s milk and matured in the limestone caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. This particular wheel, chosen by Mons for its optimal maturity and structure, expresses both power and refinement in equal measure.

The paste is luminous ivory, generously marbled with blue-green veins of Penicillium roqueforti. Its aroma opens with fresh cream and wild herbs, followed by a subtle scent of damp stone—an echo of the Combalou caves where it develops its character. On the palate, the texture is moist, slightly crumbly, yet luxuriously smooth as it melts. The first impression is creamy and almost sweet, quickly unfolding into a confident salinity that defines authentic Roquefort.

Unlike sharper cow’s milk blues, sheep’s milk brings a deeper richness and rounded complexity. Expect notes of toasted hazelnut, cultured butter, and a distinct mineral finish that lingers gracefully. The salt is present but poised, never aggressive. Under the guidance of Mons, the maturation is carefully timed, ensuring the cheese retains suppleness while showcasing its full aromatic spectrum. This is Roquefort with clarity and control—intense, elegant, unforgettable.

Pairings and Suggestions

Roquefort thrives on contrast and texture, and this selection offers endless culinary possibilities.

Classic French pairing:

Serve with ripe pear or fresh figs

Add a drizzle of chestnut honey

Pair with walnut bread or rustic sourdough

Wine companions:

Sauternes or other sweet wines to balance its salt

Banyuls for a fortified red option

A crisp Champagne for an unexpected, elegant lift

For a simple bistro-style dish, crumble it over warm steak just before serving, allowing the heat to soften it into a natural sauce. It also elevates salads with bitter greens and toasted walnuts, or melts beautifully into cream sauces for pasta. Even a small portion transforms a dish—this is a cheese that does not need excess to make an impression.

Where the Caves Breathe

Roquefort’s identity is inseparable from place. The AOP designation protects not only its name but its method—raw sheep’s milk, natural cave maturation, and production within a strictly defined region. The limestone fissures known as “fleurines” ventilate the caves naturally, maintaining ideal humidity and temperature without artificial control.

Coulet is one of the historic houses of Roquefort, carrying forward generations of expertise. Yet it is the selection by Mons that refines the experience further. An affineur’s role is not simply to store cheese, but to understand its evolution—turning, monitoring, and releasing it at the precise moment when texture and flavor align.

In every bite, you taste landscape and legacy: grazing sheep, mountain air, stone, and time. It is bold, yes—but never chaotic. Roquefort, at its finest, speaks with authority and grace.

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated at 2–6°C. Wrap in cheese paper or its original packaging, allowing slight airflow. Avoid sealing tightly in plastic. Consume within 5–7 days after opening for best flavor and texture.