Crottin de Chavignol Cheese

About Crottin de Chavignol Cheese

Crottin de Chavignol is a small goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France. It has a strong, slightly goaty flavor that becomes nuttier and more intense as it ages and the exterior develops from soft and smooth to a dry, crumbly texture with a moldy rind.

Key Facts

Country of Origin	France
Specific Origin	Sancerre region
Protection	PDO (1996), AOC (1976)
Milk Type	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized
Rind	Natural, white or blue
Texture	Firm, smooth
Flavor	Light goat to walnut and hazelnut
Aroma	Light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth
Colors	White, ivory
Forms	Small
Age	At least 10 days

What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?

Crottin de Chavignol is a distinguished goat cheese from the Sancerre region of France, known for its rich heritage and distinctive flavor. Originating in the 16th century, it provided vital income for vineyard farmers, especially during the phylloxera crisis which freed up land for grazing. Named after the clay lamps used by local winemakers and goatherds, this cheese is crafted from Alpine goat milk and holds AOC and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) statuses, ensuring adherence to traditional methods.

This small, cylindrical cheese features a firm, crumbly texture that becomes creamy as it ages. Its rind, varying from white to blue with maturity, encases flavors that evolve from subtle floral notes to rich mushroom and forest floor aromas, and finally to robust walnut and hazelnut tones in its most mature form, known as "repassé."

Aged for at least ten days, Crottin de Chavignol's flavor profile intensifies with time. It pairs excellently with Sancerre wine, embodying the region's essence in both heritage and taste. This cheese is not just a culinary delight but a piece of French cultural heritage, perfect for both simple snacks and sophisticated dishes.