Le Dauphin Soumaintrain, selected by Will Studd, is a soft washed rind cheese made in Bourgogne, France.
About Soumaintrain
Named after a small village in the Yonne department, Soumaintrain finds its roots dating back to the 17th century. Historically, artisanal cheesemakers would make this cheese with raw cow’s milk. In more recent times, many makers have adapted the recipe to use pasteurised milk instead.
How Soumaintrain is made
Nonetheless, they still mature the wheels in a humid cellar for a minimum of 21 days. During that time, they wash the young cheese in a proprietary brine mixture.
The washing creates the perfect environment for Brevibacterium linens to develop. As a result, the mould imparts a pretty pink hue to the rind. Le Dauphin Soumaintrain is selected for consumption quite young but the cheese can also be matured for longer until the rind turns orange.
Unlike other similar cheeses from Bourgogne that are washed in alcohol, Soumaintrain is mild in aroma and flavour. Furthermore, it has a creamy texture, a floral aroma and is delicately sweet on the palate.
Pairing guide
Enjoy this subtle soft cheese at room temperature with a Chablis for a taste of the local terroir.
