Fleur du Maquis

Made in Corsica from the milk of Lacaune ewes, this cheese's name translates to "flower of the maquis," the "maquis" being a local term for the typical thickets of rough underbrush where highway robbers and guerrilla fighters used to hang out. This cheese also goes by "Brin d'Amour," meaning "a breath of love." The sheep freely browse Corsica's scrubby, Mediterranean landscape and during production, to enhance the natural flavors present in the milk, the small cheeses are encrusted with rosemary, savory, oregano, marjoram, basil, and thyme. When young, Fleur du Maquis is semi-firm, pliable and moist, with citrus flavors and a pleasant, bright tang. With age the rind becomes dotted with a blue-grey mold. The texture of the cheese also becomes softer, absorbing the savory and herbaceous flavors of the rind. Flavors strike a delicate balance with the herbs, enhancing the warm, bright, sheepy quality of the interior paste. If allowed to mature fully, the paste breaks down and becomes runny and stronger tasting. This cheese pairs well with many types of wines, particularly Tempranillo and Alberino. It's fun to experiment alongside honeys, too; try it with a thyme honey or a floral honey from Corsica.