BREBIROUSSE D'ARGENTAL Volume 3 #18

Photo: Fromi.com

Photo: Fromi.com

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Country: France

Region: Rhône-Alpes, Lyon

Made from: Sheep’s Milk (Ewe’s Milk)

Pasteurised: Yes

Texture: Soft, Runny

Taste: Buttery, Grassy, Meaty

Certification: No

Ageing: minimum 12 days up to 1 month

Introduction: Brebirousse d’Argental is a French cheese from the Lyon area. This cheese is unique because it is made of sheep’s milk. If you suffer from a lactose intolerance, sheep’s milk cheese and other products can be a great substitute.

Brebirousse d’Argental cheese has a clean smooth buttery flavor inside a mottled reddish/orange rind.  The orange color comes from being washed with annatto. It has a stronger flavor than some cow or goat cheeses with a salty, grassy and even meaty taste. It can get runny at room temperature. It has quite a mild mushroomy aroma.  Brebirousse d’Argental may be purchased at a grocery store, specialty cheese store, or online through multiple different retailers.

History: The name of this cheese in English means “Red Sheep.” Brebirousse d’Argental is one of the many sheep’s milk cheeses produced in France. Sheep’s milk cheese has had an interesting history, today, you can expect to pay a little more for this product, but in earlier times it was cheaper than cow’s milk cheese. Sheep’s milk traditions started in other European countries like Italy & Spain before they did in France. Brebirousse d’Argental was launched in 1985 by Fromi, a German cheese company specializing in French cheeses. 

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How to Enjoy It: Cider and Pinot Noir are two recommended pairings for Brebirousse d’Argental. It can be added to a cheese board but use a separate plate in case it runs. It can be eaten with crackers or with toasted bread.

Sources: Murray’s Cheese, Cheese.com, Serious Cheese, Cheesy Marie, Fromi.com, Hortis Magnificent, Stella’s Pantry, Gourmet Food World, Cook’s Info, Cheese Shop, Fromi.com