Sainte Maure Caprifeuille Cheese

Sainte Maure Caprifeuille – One of My New Favorite Goat Cheeses

If you enjoy goat cheese and are looking for one to serve to friends or enjoy at home with a piece of French bread, I recommend you look at Caprifeuille.

I was looking for a cheese to serve at a small dinner party with some friends over the holidays and asked my friend Cheese-man Jack for a recommendation, and he came up with Sainte-Maure Caprifeuille.

At first, he wanted to sell me an older version of this cheese, “same cheese only aged 2 – 3 months longer,” but much firmer with a stronger taste. We talked about it and decided to go with the younger brother, who is just as good but slightly milder.

Sainte Maure Caprifeuille is a renowned artisanal cheese from the Loire Valley in France. This goat’s milk cheese is named after the small town of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, where it was traditionally made.

It is characterized by its distinctive log shape and ash-coated rind, which develops a velvety, wrinkled texture as it matures. Beneath the surface lies a creamy, ivory-colored interior with a smooth and delicate taste, balancing tangy and earthy flavors.

Sainte Maure Caprifeuille is highly regarded for its complex and nuanced profile, making it a beloved choice for cheese connoisseurs seeking a unique and satisfying culinary experience.

Characteristics

Characteristic

Description

Milk SourceGoat’s milk
TextureSoft, creamy, slightly crumbly
AgingTypically aged 10 to 20 days
FlavorTangy, fresh, mildly acidic with subtle herbal and grassy notes
AromaLightly goaty, fresh, slightly earthy
RindNatural, thin, often with a light white mold bloom, sometimes with faint straw coloring
InteriorPale ivory to white, soft and moist, with small irregular holes
SizeCylindrical log shape, usually around 12-15 cm long and 4-5 cm diameter
VersatilityExcellent fresh cheese, good for salads, appetizers, and light cooking
RegionLoire Valley, France
AOC/Protected StatusYes, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) under French regulations
Milk TreatmentUsually raw milk or thermized (depends on producer and regulations)
Coagulation TypeLactic coagulation
ShapeCylindrical log, sometimes tied with straw or marked with a straw running through the center
Color (Interior/Rind)Interior: white to pale ivory; Rind: off-white to light gray with some straw coloring
Shelf LifeBest consumed within 3 weeks of production for optimal freshness
Serving TemperatureServe at room temperature for best flavor and texture
Traditional SeasonSpring to early autumn, depending on goat’s milk availability
Culinary UsesServed fresh on cheese boards, paired with fruit and nuts, crumbled over salads, in sandwiches, or lightly warmed

What’s In a Name

Don’t be confused with Sainte Maure de Touraine, another goat cheese from the same region that’s similar but different. Caprifeuille is an aged (about 10 days) cheese made from fresh goat’s milk with a “granulose” rind that’s fine to eat but also easily removable for those who don’t like the rind.

Once you get inside, that’s where the fun begins. When young, the smooth, white interior paste is creamy and tart. Some say it even has a “lemony” taste.

As this cheese ages, and I’m talking about weeks to months, the cheese loses moisture and becomes firmer and slightly crumbly.  With age, the flavor takes on a sweeter, nutty taste that should please any goat cheese lover.

Caprifeuille Cheese

 

 

What Does It Taste Like?

Sainte Maure Caprifeuille cheese offers a unique and delightful taste experience. Its flavor profile is a harmonious combination of tangy and earthy notes. The creamy ivory interior is smooth and luscious on the palate.

The cheese imparts a pleasant, mild tanginess reminiscent of goat’s milk, balanced by subtle hints of earthiness and nuttiness. The cheese develops more complex flavors as it ages, deepening in richness and acquiring a slightly sharper taste. It delivers a delicate and nuanced taste that is satisfying and memorable, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

What To Serve With Caprifeuille

Serving Suggestion

Description

Wine Pairing

Sliced on warm baguette or crostiniLet the cheese slightly melt on the bread to bring out its creamy textureSancerre or Pouilly-Fumé (Sauvignon Blanc)
With fresh herbs and olive oilDrizzle with fruity olive oil and sprinkle thyme or herbes de ProvenceDry Rosé from Provence
Paired with roasted red peppersThe sweetness of the peppers balances the tang of the cheeseCôtes du Rhône white or light Grenache
Served with fresh figs or apricotsThe fruit highlights the cheese’s natural sweetness and acidityAlsace Pinot Gris or Chenin Blanc
On a salad with beets and arugulaCrumbled or sliced, it adds creaminess and bright contrastWhite Bordeaux or a crisp Loire white
Baked in phyllo or puff pastryMakes an elegant starter with a warm, gooey centerChampagne or Crémant de Loire
Served with honey and toasted almondsClassic sweet-savory contrast perfect for a cheese courseMuscat Sec or off-dry Vouvray
Accompanied by olive tapenadeSavory and briny accents bring out the cheese’s depthVermentino or Picpoul de Pinet
On a cheeseboard with apple slicesCrisp apples cleanse the palate and complement the tangSauvignon Blanc or Chablis
With grilled vegetables or ratatouilleWorks well with summery, herb-rich dishesWhite Rhône blend or light Provençal white
Sainte Maure Caprifeuille

History

The history of Sainte Maure Caprifeuille cheese dates back several centuries. It is believed to have originated in the 8th century in the Loire Valley region of France.

The cheese comes from Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, where local farmers traditionally produced it. Initially, it was made exclusively from goat’s milk, common livestock in the region.

The ash coating on the cheese’s rind served practical purposes, helping preserve and protect the delicate cheese during aging. Over time, Sainte Maure Caprifeuille gained popularity and recognition, becoming a cherished cheese in French gastronomy and eventually reaching international acclaim as a fine artisanal cheese. Today, it remains a symbol of the rich cheese-making heritage of the Loire Valley.

 

 Where to Purchase Sainte-Maure Caprifeuille

I suggest you start with your local cheese shop if you have one near you. If they don’t sell the Caprifeuille, ask the manager to start bringing it in. They may or may not, but it’s worth the request.

You won’t find it in your everyday supermarket, but some high-end markets like Whole Foods or Wegmans should carry it. If everything doesn’t work, you can always order it online but be prepared to pay for overnight shipping.

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