If there is one thing we love more than finding a spectacular new cheese, it is sharing that discovery with you. This week at Pork Ewe Deli, our tasting board is taking a detour off the beaten track. We are leaving behind the everyday cheddars and familiar bries to explore two truly exceptional cheeses with distinct personalities and fascinating histories.
Whether you are putting together a weekend grazing board or just want to elevate your midnight snacking, these are two tasting experiences you will not want to miss.
St. Nectaire: The Earthy Wonder of the Auvergne
If you have never tried St. Nectaire, prepare for a rustic, sensory journey to the volcanic mountains of central France. Introduced to the court of King Louis XIV, this farmhouse cheese has serious historical pedigree.
Made from the rich, raw milk of Salers cows (a breed that grazes on nutrient-dense, perfumed volcanic pastures from April to October), St. Nectaire captures the absolute essence of its terroir. It is traditionally matured on rye straw in damp cellars. This gives its edible, greyish-purple rind an unmistakable aroma of mushroom, damp earth and cellar stones.
Tasting Notes:
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Texture: Semi-soft, incredibly supple and melts beautifully in the mouth.
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Flavour Profile: A delicate balance of sweet, fruity milk, roasted walnuts and earthy, grassy mushrooms. It boasts a mild tang and a creamy finish that lingers.
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Pairing: Unbeatable with a crusty baguette, raw vegies or salami. For wine, reach for a natural Beaujolais or a light Pinot Noir.
Pro Tip: If you have a raclette grill or are making a decadent quiche, melting St. Nectaire takes it to a whole new, deeply savoury level!
Landana Goat Blue: The Accessible, Creamy Blue
I know what some of you are thinking: "Blue cheese? Goat's milk? Samantha, you're dreaming!" Stick with me, because Landana Goat Blue is the cheese that converts sceptics.
Hailing from Holland, this organic beauty completely rewrites the rules for blue cheese. While many sheep- or cow's-milk blues can be sharply aggressive, Landana uses mild goat's milk to create a brilliantly balanced, mellow base.
Tasting Notes:
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Texture: Surprisingly smooth and creamy for a blue.
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Flavour Profile: The mild, smooth goat cheese base with a piquant, sharp, and tangy blue mould finish
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Pairing: Because it leans sweet rather than salty, it pairs flawlessly with fresh figs, honey or a sweet dessert wine.
If you usually shy away from blue cheese because you find it overpowering, Landana Goat Blue is your perfect gateway cheese. It is elegant, approachable and highly addictive.
Come Taste for Yourself!
Reading about cheese is great, but tasting it is where the real magic happens. We have got both the St. Nectaire and the Landana Goat Blue ready and waiting for you on the tasting block this week.
Come by Pork Ewe Deli, have a chat with our team, and let us cut you a fresh wedge to take home. We will help you pair it with the perfect artisan crackers, cured meats and accompaniments to make your next cheese board an absolute cracker.