Inspired by Mont d'Or
Le Duc Vacherin, selected by Will Studd, is a soft surface-ripened cheese made in the Franche-Comté region of Eastern France. It is inspired by the much-loved seasonal cheese, Mont d’Or.
Whilst very similar in appearance, it differs in 2 main ways. Cheesemakers make Le Duc with pasteurised cow’s milk whilst Mont d’Or has to be made with raw milk. In addition to this, Le Duc is available all year round.
How it is made
Will Studd selects this decadent soft cheese in 2 formats, the featured 200g wheel and Grand Vacherin, a larger 1kg wheel. Artisans hand-make both formats in Eastern France near the Swiss border and wrap them in spruce bark to help keep the soft interior together.
The cheese has a slightly fruity aroma when ripe with the occasional bloom and ripple appearing on the smooth pinkish rind. Furthermore, its texture is very much spoonable and the flavour is rich and creamy.
How to serve Vacherin
Consume close to the “Best Before” date and leave at room temperature for at least 2 hours if serving as a table cheese.
Undoubtedly, your weapon of choice should be a spoon for this one! Moreover, Le Duc also excels when baked!
What to drink with Le Duc Vacherin
Enjoy with a glass of Viognier, Gewürztraminer or a young Riesling.
Thank you for reading
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