French Cheese Regions / Varieties > Goat’s Cheeses

Goat Cheese — The French Legacy of Chèvre

Crafted in a number of France’s regions, though frequently found in Poitou-Charentes in the Loire Valley, these pure white goat cheeses, or chèvres, are a legacy of the Saracens, people of Arab decent who lived in Spain and then France up until the 8^th century. Goat’s milk cheeses present a delightful array of tastes and textures and include many AOC cheeses.

Type: Goat’s milk

Origin: Poitou-Charentes >> Map

Production and Aging: Various

Appearance: A variety of shapes, including pyramidal and cylindrical, and textures

Texture and Taste: Ranging from moist and creamy to dry and semi-firm

Serving suggestions: Chenin Blanc, as in Vouvray or Savenièrres, Sauvignon Blanc, as in Sancerre (White) or White Bordeaux, White Burgundy, Red or white Beaujolais/Rhône

Similar Cheeses: Crottin, Chabichou du Poitou, Clochette, Sainte-Maure, Pointe de Bique, Tradition Jacquin