What is Ami du Chambertin? A Taste of Burgundy in Every Bite
Welcome to a delectable journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France, specifically to the renowned wine-growing region of Burgundy.
Today, we dive into the world of one of its most treasured culinary gems – the Ami du Chambertin cheese. This exquisite cheese, washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy, is more than just a dairy product; it’s a sensory experience, a true reflection of the region’s rich terroir and deep-rooted traditions.
Every bite of Ami du Chambertin is an invitation to explore the harmonious blend of earthy, tangy, and buttery flavors that resonate with the soul of Burgundy.
Quick Facts About Ami du Chambertin
| Country of Origin | France |
| Region | Brochon, Bourgogne |
| Age | 2 months (Minimum of three weeks) |
| Classification | Soft, washed-rind cheese |
| Milk | Pasteurized cow’s milk (specifically from Montbéliarde, Brune, and Simmental cows) |
| Producer | Gaugry dairy & Raymond Gaugry in the 1950s |
| Weight and shape | 250 g (9 oz), Round |
| Size | Diameter 8.5 cm (3.5 inches), Height 4.5 cm (2 inches) |
| Fat content | 45% |
| Aroma | Penetrating and powerful due to being washed in Marc de Bourgogne brandy, Pungent |
| Taste | Robust, Buttery, Milky, Salty, Vibrant with hints of spices |
| Pairing | Gevrey Chambertin, Chassagne Montrachet |
| Texture | Sticky and flaky rind; smoothy and creamy paste |
| Color | Orange rind with a white to cream-colored interior |
What is Ami du Chambertin?
Ami du Chambertin is a French artisan cheese originating from the Burgundy region in France, specifically the town of Gevrey-Chambertin. It’s a soft, washed-rind cheese made from cow’s milk, typically from Montbéliarde, Brune, and Simmental cows.
The cheese is known for its strong and pungent flavor, with an earthy and mushroom-like taste. The texture is creamy and sticky, with an intense aroma that comes from being washed in Marc de Bourgogne brandy during the aging process.
The cheese’s rind is orange in color, while the interior ranges from white to cream. Each piece usually weighs around 200 to 300 grams and is aged for a minimum of three weeks. Ami du Chambertin pairs well with full-bodied red wines, especially those from its home region of Burgundy.
Interesting Fact:
In 1950, Raymond Gaugry created this unique artisan semi-soft cheese by washing the rind with famous local Marc de Bourgogne Brandy, Gevrey Chambertin… thus giving the cheese its distinctive orange color.
The truth is, most of the work is done by hand even though the cheese is made in a modern creamery,
What Does Ami du Chambertin Taste Like?
Ami du Chambertin is known for its strong and vibrant taste, characterized by a sharp flavor with a buttery finish. The cheese has a notable taste of Gevrey Chambertin, where it originates from, and also exhibits a rich combination of buttery, milky, and salty notes.
The cheese’s rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne, a type of brandy, which not only gives the cheese its distinct orange color but also contributes to its powerful taste. As the cheese ripens from the outside in, the edges tend to have a more potent flavor, while the inside remains more subtle.
In addition, Ami du Chambertin has a pungent aroma, which can deliver a gooey texture at times, adding another layer to its complex flavor profile. Despite its strong flavors, the paste of the cheese has a mouth-watering quality that makes it a favorite among many cheese lovers.
Ami du Chambertin Tasting Notes
- Appearance: The cheese has an orange rind due to being washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy. Its interior ranges from white to cream.
- Aroma: It has a strong, pungent aroma that is penetrating and intense, again due to the brandy wash.
- Texture: Ami du Chambertin has a creamy and sticky texture. As it matures, it can become quite runny.
- Taste: The flavor is complex, starting off mild and becoming increasingly stronger. It has earthy and mushroom-like flavors, with a sharp, tangy undertone.
- Aftertaste: The finish is rich and buttery, with a lingering salty note. The taste of the brandy wash can also be detected in the aftertaste.
- Pairings: This cheese pairs well with full-bodied red wines, especially those from its home region of Burgundy. It can also be paired with a variety of breads, fruits, and nuts for a balanced cheese platter.
What Pairs Well With Ami du Chambertin?
Food that goes well with Ami du Chambertin:
| Category | Food Pairing |
|---|---|
| Breads | Baguette, sourdough, multi-grain bread |
| Fruits | Pears, apples, figs |
| Nuts | Walnuts, almonds, pecans |
| Meats | Prosciutto, salami, chorizo |
| Jams/Preserves | Fig jam, apricot preserves, cherry compote |
| Crackers | Whole grain, water, rye crackers |
| Olives/Pickles | Cornichons, green olives, pickled onions |
| Honey | Truffle honey, acacia honey, lavender honey |
| Chocolate | Dark chocolate, milk chocolate |
Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
Beverage that goes well with Ami du Chambertin:
| Category | Beverage Pairing |
|---|---|
| Red Wine | Burgundy, Bordeaux, Merlot |
| White Wine | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Beer | Belgian Ale, Stout, Porter |
| Spirits | Marc de Bourgogne, Cognac, Armagnac |
| Non-Alcoholic | Sparkling water, Apple cider, Grape juice |
Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide
Where to buy Ami du Chambertin:
- Wally Wine – 250 g for $22.00
- Cheesehub – 200 g for £10.95
More Cheeses from France:
