About the cheese

The Auvergnats (those who hail from Auvergne) like to describe France as “The Auvergne with a bit of land around it”. Auvergne is in the very center of France in the mountainous region of the “Massif Central” or Central Mountains; it is a land with a long history of independent thinking and political jostling. One should not be surprised then, when the namesake cheese is a rich and pungent blue.

Bleu d’Auvergne was created in 1854 by a producer of Roquefort cheese. As the story goes he noticed a mould on his bread and decided to experiment with it in an effort to create a rival for the great Roquefort. We don’t know quite how the evolution went, but eventually this fromagiere decided to use Roquefort mould instead of his locally grown one. (Roquefort is only found in certain caves in the Roquefort district of France, however the mould is transferred to many cheese caves to produce beautiful blue cheeses all over the world.) The modern Bleu d’Auvergne is made using authentic Penicillin Roquefort.

Bleu d’Auvergne is made from cow’s milk and has a wonderfully creamy texture. When fresh it has an earthy aroma with a moderately strong flavor. The finish is spicy and floral. As the cheese ages the blue becomes more pungent and overrides the other flavors. When fresh the veins are a light green but turn to a deep blue as the cheese matures.

Cheese Handling Procedures

As with any blue you should keep this cheese separate from your non-blue cheeses. Cheese moulds love to “jump” around and if you’re not careful your other cheeses may take on the characteristics of your blues. Keep the cheese wrapped in foil to protect it from drying out and becoming crusty. If you find the cheese is too moist, wrap it in paper or a napkin and then foil.

Wine and food pairing suggestions

When young use the cheese in salads, on fresh pear slices, or matched with a sweet wine such as port or sauternes. As it matures and becomes stronger use it in sauces or melt it on steak. Toss a few morsels of Bleu d’Auvergne into hot, fresh pasta with crushed walnuts, a light cream sauce and fresh herbs for a vibrant side dish.

About the Cheesemonger

The cheesemonger has two locations: The Grapevine Wine & Cheese Shop located in downtown Willow Glen, CA and Good Tastes Wine, Cheese & Tasting Bar located in downtown Campbell, CA.  Selecting cheese at these shops could not be easier or more fun.   They have a wide selection of high quality cheese from throughout the world with new shipments frequently arriving. All cheese can be tasted prior to purchase and is cut to order. And if you are not sure what you want their knowledgeable staff will gladly help you pick out the perfect cheese.   Stop by and check out this months featured cheese or join their bi-monthly Cheese club and be surprised by the outstanding cheeses provided to you!