Chevre Goat's Milk Cheese

Description

Chevre (shev-ray) is a term which denotes a cheese made from the milk of goats, with the word chevre meaning goat in French.  Our chevre is imported from France.

Chevre is a fresh cheese which resembles cream cheese. This type of chevre tends to be slightly crumbly, creamy, and may have a strong goat flavor. Often soft chevre is herbed or spiced, and may be decorated with flowers or rosemary. Creamy chevre is delicious in salads, bread, and pizzas.  Creamy chevres tend to have more complex flavors and an almost buttery feel. Chevre softens when exposed to heat, although it does not melt in the same way that many cow cheeses do. Firmer chevres with rinds are sometimes baked in the oven to form a gooey warm cheese which is ideal for spreading on bread with roasted garlic, or alone.

When chevre is served hot, it is known as chevre chaud.

History

Chevre is commonly known as a French cheese, but goats milk is used to produce cheeses throughout the world. 

France produces a great number of goat's milk cheeses, especially in the Loire Valley and Poitou, where goats are said to have been brought by the Moors in the 8th century.

Wine Pairing   

Chevre pairs well with dry white wines such as Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc.  The best choice would be a white wine from Loire such as Sancerre.  If one prefers a red wine, Merlot and chevre are a good combination.