Cheese story
What is Valençay?
A pyramid-shaped Loire goat cheese with a blue-grey ash rind.
Origin
Loire Valley, France
Milk
goat
Board role
Blue / salty
Cheese profile
Country
France
Region
Loire Valley
Milk type
goat
Texture
soft ash-coated
Rind
ash-coated natural rind
Ageing
3 to 6 weeks
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
raw
Flavour profile: citrusy, goaty, nutty, earthy
Origin, protection and character
Valençay comes from France, especially Loire Valley. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO/AOP
Typical ageing
3 to 6 weeks
How to serve Valençay
cheese boards, salads
Good food matches
Sauvignon Blanc
walnuts
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
