Is there anything more decadent that a creamy soft cheese mixed with black truffle? Read on to learn about this French delicacy called Briard à la Truffe.
About Briard à la Truffe
Briard à la Truffe d’Eté is a soft cheese made by Fromagerie Rouzaire in the Île-de-France region in Central France.
Brie is an historic part of the modern Île-de-France region that has become synonymous with soft cheese in modern times. Moreover, the locals call themselves Briards and the Fin Briard cheese is one of their finest products.
READ MORE: Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about real Brie →
The Rouzaire family
The Rouzaire family is synonymous with cheese in France. It first started with Louis and Blanche Rouzaire who opened up a cheese shop in Paris in 1938.
In the 1960’s, they expanded into affinage and, current boss, Marc Rouzaire is a third generation affineur.
How Briard à la Truffe is made
The Rouzaire family mature wheels of their Fin Briard for four weeks in an underground cellar and then slice them in half horizontally. Afterwards, they cover the bottom half with a mixture of black Périgord truffles, crème fraîche and Mascarpone.
Finally, the two pieces are put back together and the whole wheel is matured for a further month. This allows the formation of a homogenous rind around the cheese.
READ MORE: Why Mascarpone is Italy’s most versatile dessert cheese →
Tasting guide
Overall, the cheese’s aroma is dominated by the earthiness of the truffles. It will take you on a journey to the hazelnut and oak forests of Périgord.
Fin Briard has a rich buttery texture and the truffles infuse throughout perfectly to complement its delicate lactic flavours.
How to serve Briard à la Truffe
Enjoy with a warm crusty baguette and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Enjoy on your Christmas cheese platter with a delicious Comté and Roquefort.
