What is A Filetta Cheese? Unraveling the Mysteries of Corsica’s Culinary Gem

A Filetta isn’t just a cheese; it’s a testament to the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the passion of its people.

With its unique flavor profile and distinctive aroma, A Filetta is more than a delight for the taste buds. It’s an experience that transports you straight to the rustic charm of Corsican countryside.

So, buckle up as we delve into the fascinating world of A Filetta, exploring its origins and the best ways to enjoy this Corsican delicacy.

Quick facts about A Filetta

What is A Filetta?

A Filetta is a type of Corsican cheese made from sheep’s milk. It’s a semi-soft, artisanal cheese known for its mild and slightly tangy flavor with hints of earthiness.

This cheese is typically aged for 3 weeks to 3 months, resulting in a creamy and slightly crumbly texture. A Filetta is often paired with white wine, fresh fruit, or honey to complement its unique taste. It’s best served at room temperature and should be consumed within two weeks of opening.

In the Corsican language, a filetta means ‘fern’ which reflects the roots and origin of this artisanal cheese. This unpasteurized sheep’s milk cheese is decorated with a fern leaf on top (hence the name).

what does A Filetta taste like?

A Filetta possesses a mild, slightly tangy taste that is beautifully balanced with hints of earthiness. The flavor can be described as rustic and natural, with subtle notes that reflect the rich, green pastures where the sheep are grazed.

The complexity of A Filetta’s taste can vary depending on the length of aging, with longer-aged cheeses developing a deeper, more intense flavor. It’s a cheese that truly captures the essence of the Corsican terroir in each bite.

A Filetta Tasting Notes

• Mild Flavor: Known for its gentle, unassuming flavor that doesn’t overpower the palate.
• Slightly Tangy: Subtle tanginess to this cheese that adds an interesting layer to its taste profile.
• Earthy Undertones: Carries hints of earthiness, reflecting the natural pastures where the sheep are grazed.
• Rustic and Natural: The overall taste can be described as rustic and natural, a true representation of Corsican terroir.
• Variation with Aging: The flavor complexity can vary depending on its age. The longer the cheese is aged, the deeper and more intense the flavors become.
• Creamy Texture: Creamy, slightly crumbly texture that melts in the mouth, adding to its overall tasting experience.
• Pairing Options: Pairs well with white wine, fresh fruits, and honey, which can complement and enhance its unique taste.

This cheese has a unique taste that tingles with fern and the smell of the cellar. Unfortunately, the aroma can be a bit too strong and the taste a tad too sharp for some people’s liking.

Nevertheless, it is worth a try given the unique taste of herbal, mushrooms, and hints of fern-spring which you cannot find anywhere else.

The grazing is quasi-wilderness, therefore, the cheese has a distinctive personality and has more natural flavor compared to many other cheeses.

What pairs well with A Filetta?

Food that goes well with A Filetta

Beverage that goes well with A Filetta

Where to buy A Filetta:

• fromages – 330 g for €19.90
• La Petite Boutique – 200 g for S$34.30

More Cheeses from France:

• A Casinca
• Baguette Laonnaise
• Abbaye de Tamié
• Bleu de Termignon
• Deauville
• Abondance
• Abbaye Notre-Dame de Bellocca