Cheese library
CABRALES
CABRALES
ASTURIAS, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Cabrales is produced only in the village of the same name and three other villages of the Penamellera Alta township, located on the northern edge of the Europa peaks in eastern Asturias. Principally a cow’s milk cheese, in the spring and summer the producers will add sheep and goat's milk, giving those wheels a richer, spicier character. The taste is piquant, metallic, and powerful. It is not for the faint of heart.
More About Spanish Cheese
Spain was slow to develop a modern approach to agriculture, and unfortunately the Civil and World Wars intervened up until the 1950s. Following this, changes started to happen, albeit slowly until 1975 when a more open attitude to farming and cheesemaking communities became possible. Hardship may have existed but the farmers and cheesemakers have held onto their cheesemaking traditions to produce such a diverse range of cheese throughout the country. In Spain the biggest rainfalls happen twice a year and the summers are exceedingly hot causing droughts - these extremes are reflected in the styles and flavours of the cheeses in tune with their terrain.
The northern and western coastal regions and valleys have cows grazing with some mixed farming, while the hills and mountain areas concentrate on goats and sheep. The cheeses from the northern regions are of differing textures and styles, while the more dry, arid and mountainous areas of the west and Canary Islands tend toward goat's and ewe's milk cheeses with strong, spicy flavours. From PICOS DE EUROPA from León to Catalonian GARROTXA to MANCHEGO from La Mancha, discover Spain's diverse range of cheese.
CACIOTTA ETRUSCA
CACIOTTA ETRUSCA
TUSCANY, PASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Our youngest pecorino, this is a soft springy-textured cheese with a supple texture and a fresh taste of cobnuts. Melted into a sauce or shaved roughly over pasta and risotto or used as an accompaniment to young spring vegetables, it makes a welcome entrance to the lighter foods of summer eating. Slice it thinly onto piping hot Bruschetta – brushed with a peppery olive oil and topped with salad leaves – for a quick and tasty lunchtime snack.
More About Italian Cheese
CAMEMBERT AU CALVADOS
CAMEMBERT AU CALVADOS
NORMANDY, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
A traditional farmhouse-made cheese which is produced in several steps; it is first aged as a standard Camembert, the rind is then carefully removed and the cheese is dipped in a Calvados and Cider mixture, and finally it is covered in a fine biscuit crumb. The taste is deliciously fruity, with an apple brandy sweetness that commands the remarkable arc of flavour.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CAMEMBERT AUX TRUFFES
CAMEMBERT AUX TRUFFES
Unpasteurised Cow Milk, Normandy
A Camembert with a filling of mascarpone and chopped black truffles. This is a rich and decadent combination. The truffles bring out the earthy, brassica notes of the cheese, while the Camembert rounds the flavour of the truffle into a massively aromatic depth. Made in-house by our cheesemongers, it is ideal for parties of 4 - 6 guests.
400g
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CAMEMBERT DE NORMANDIE
CAMEMBERT DE NORMANDIE
Normandy, Unpasteurised Cow’s Milk, Traditional Rennet
Traditional cheese with a soft supple texture & bloomy white rind tinged with rust to show through (denotes matured on straw). Best eaten when moist & not too melting. A fruity aroma with a rich earthy flavour.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CAPRETTA TOSCANA
CAPRETTA TOSCANA
TUSCANY, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Unusual given its provenance – Tuscany is traditionally a region for ewe's milk – this is a light, sweetly milky, semi-hard cheese. Moulded in traditional baskets, it is produced year round, and is especially good during the summer months. Not to be aged too long as the gentler flavours inherent in the milk should be showcased and prominent.
More About Italian Cheese
CAPRINO STAGIONATO AL CAPRONE
CAPRINO STAGIONATO AL CAPRONE
SARDINIA, THERMISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
The west coast of Sardinia has perfect grazing conditions on the hilly slopes overlooking the sea. Shaped in the regional ‘donkey-back’ form – flat top and bottom with convex sides – with a smooth dark brown rind from olive oil and cinder rubbing, preventing the growth of moulds. The compact texture with little eyelets gives an intense and persistent taste and an aroma of dry grass and earthy farmyard. The finish is spicy and sharp. Great as a table cheese or to be used in cooking – versatile.
More About Italian Cheese
CASHEL BLUE
CASHEL BLUE
Tipperary, Pasteurised Cow’s Milk, Vegetarian Rennet
Made by Louis & Jane Grubb, the milk comes entirely from their own herd of Friesian cattle. The creamy rich texture is well marbled with nutty blue moulds which, with effective maturing in the coolest part of the cellar with high humidity, they start to gently ooze and melt, giving this cheese a very satisfying and enjoyable taste.
More About Irish Cheese
CATHARE
CATHARE
LAURAGAIS, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Roughly the size of a coffee saucer, with an ash-coated top emblazoned with the cross of the Cathars (a medieval religious group living in and around Carcassonne, and massacred in the Middle Ages). The taste is mild and gently nutty and should be enjoyed as fresh as possible, when the pate is pleasantly balanced between curdy and runny.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CHABICHOU
CHABICHOU
POITOU-CHARENTES, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
A soft, fresh tasting cheese, shaped like a gently tapered cylinder. The texture is smooth yet quite close-textured. Produced traditionally with a lovely aromatic rind. It can be eaten young and fresh, however it reaches its ideal state – sweeter and crumblier – as it matures and dries out.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CHALLERHOCKER
CHALLERHOCKER
Toggenburg, Thermised Cow’s Milk, Traditional Rennet
The small dairy of Walter Rass just north-east of Zurich is where this cheese is made. The milk is heated to a degree that is higher than for Unpasteurised milk, but even so the textures & flavours of the cheese are still very reflective of the Appenzeller style with its sweet hazelnut aroma & chewy texture, although this cheese has a fully more robust taste.
More About Swiss Cheese
CHAOURCE
CHAOURCE
CHAMPAGNE, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Semi-soft, with a dense crumbly texture and a natural white bloomy rind. Formed in a solid drum shape, the edges just below the rind melt with a little ripening in a humid cellar. When young, the taste is light, lactic and curdy. As it matures the flavours deepen, with a long, earthy, sea-salt finish. A useful accompaniment to Champagne.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CHAROLAIS
CHAROLAIS
Burgundy, Unpasteurised Goat’s Milk, Traditional Rennet
Sold as unit, approx. 180 grams
Tubby drum shaped cylinder, with a close textured crumbly pâté. The rind is natural & slightly dry with patchy grey, blue & white moulds. The taste is rich & sophisticated with a fine clean flavour.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CHEVROTIN DES ARAVIS
CHEVROTIN DES ARAVIS
SAVOIE, UNPASTEURISED, TRADITIONAL RENNET
A rare goat's milk washed rind from high in the mountains of Savoie. Pale orange in colour, the rind is smooth and looks rather like a smaller, plumper Reblochon. The taste is rich and floral, a great foil to the aroma, which is pleasantly goaty. The pate becomes full-bodied and almost melts with a little age. Best season is autumn to early spring.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
CLAVA
CLAVA
INVERNESS, PASTEURISED, VEGETARIAN RENNET
The Clark family farm, Connage Highland Dairy, stretches along the shores of the Moray Firth, & the dairy herd comprises of 130 cows, mostly Holstein Friesian with Jersey crosses & Norwegian Reds. The Clava is rich, creamy & vegetal in the Brie style, with a bloomy white rind. The curds are hand-ladled & the ripening process is carefully monitored to ensure the cheese retains its rich melting texture.
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COEUR NORMANDE
COEUR NORMANDE
NORMANDY, UNPASTEURISED COW’S MILK, TRADITIONAL RENNET
Made in the shape of a heart. The rind has a soft, downy, velvety bloom and the cheese is close-textured and crumbly, with a gentle salty tang. Best eaten quite young, as the fresh mushroom aroma and light buttery flavours can become rather sharp and aggressive if allowed to ripen too far. The gentle rolling countryside around Forges-les-Eaux is the ideal area to find these cheeses.
More About French Cheese
The story of LA FROMAGERIE begins with a wheel of BEAUFORT CHALET D'ALPAGE; 27 years later and with over 100 French cheeses in our library, France is still an excellent place to start exploring cheese. In France, more so than possibly anywhere else, the variety of terroir - that magical combination of local terrain, altitude, soil and climate - accounts for the great diversity of the cheese. Some French cheeses are only sold locally, and many have their own distinctive characteristics; for instance, some are wrapped in leaves, while others are thickly coated in herbs, or washed in brine or alcohol. The names of many cheeses tie them to and can indicate the village or particular hill or mountain where they are made. From the caves of Combalou to the Mountains of Savoie, learn about the connection between place and product as you explore our selection of cheese from this fantastic country.
stock and availability
The cheese library showcases many artisan cheeses stocked in our cheeserooms throughout the year. Some of these cheeses may be unavailable online but available to purchase from your local LA FROMAGERIE. Please contact marylebone@lafromagerie.co.uk for information on stock and availability
