Wrapped in a chestnut leaf
Mothais sur Feuille is a soft goat’s milk cheese that is traditionally made in the Poitou-Charentes region of Western France. It is named after the township of Mothe-Saint-Héray, where the cheese has been made and sold at local markets since the mid nineteenth century.
Slow lactic fermentation
The first step of its production involves allowing fresh goat’s milk to stand and slowly coagulate via lactic fermentation. The resulting curd is then scooped into moulds to retain as much moisture as possible, and allowed to drain naturally under its own weight. The young rounds are then wrapped in a chestnut leaf and transferred to maturing rooms.
Whereas most goat’s cheeses age in conditions where humidity is about 85-90%, this unique cheese is kept at nearly 100% humidity for a duration of three to four weeks. During this time, the cheeses are turned regularly every 4 days to allow the even distribution of moisture.
The resulting cheese has a meltingly soft texture when young, becoming more dense as it ages. The pâte has notes of wood, soil and mould that are imparted by the chestnut leaf. The wrinkly rind is covered with blue and grey moulds underneath the leaf.
How to pair Mothais sur Feuille
Enjoy with a glass of Champagne or with a medium weight single-malt whisky.
