What is Rove de Garrigues? The Delicate Fresh Cheese from Provence

In the lush landscapes of Provence, amidst the fragrant lavender fields and sun-drenched vineyards, there exists a culinary secret as old as the rolling hills themselves. This secret is not a well-preserved recipe or a hidden eatery known only to locals, but one of France’s most exceptional artisanal cheeses—Rove de Garrigues. This delicate, fresh cheese, crafted from the milk of the Rove goat, is a gastronomic gem that embodies the essence of its Mediterranean home.

In this post, we’ll take a journey into the heart of Provence to uncover the story of Rove de Garrigues. From the rustic pastures where its story begins to the intricate process of its creation, we will delve into what makes this cheese so special.

Quick Facts About Rove de Garrigues

What is Rove de Garrigues?

Rove de Garrigues is a delightful culinary gem that hails from the heart of Provence, France. This fresh cheese owes its name to the Rove breed of goat, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The Rove goat is an extraordinary breed, not only due to its rarity but also because it produces very little milk each day. Despite this low milk yield, the cheese made from it is renowned for its rich flavor and creaminess.

The term ‘Garrigues’ refers to the aromatic scrubland of Provence, where the Rove goats freely graze. The Garrigues is a wild and beautiful arid area characterized by scrubby grasslands of wild thyme, gorse, and dense woodlands. This unique terrain imparts a distinct flavor to the cheese, making it a true reflection of its terroir.

Every bite of Rove de Garrigues offers a taste of the lush Provencal scrubland and the rich butterfat of the milk superbly translates the flavors of pasture and forage. This cheese is a testament to the natural beauty of the Mediterranean region and the rich gastronomic tradition of France.

In essence, Rove de Garrigues tells a fascinating tale of a rare breed of goat, the rugged terrain they roam, and the flavorful cheese their milk produces. It’s a story of tradition, environment, and culinary craftsmanship, all enclosed in a delicate fresh cheese that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

What Does Rove de Garrigues Taste Like?

Rove de Garrigues is a cheese that captivates the senses with its distinctive flavor profile. This aromatic goat’s cheese is a celebration of the warm-scented herbs of southern France, offering a taste that is as unique as it is delightful.

The first thing you’ll notice about Rove de Garrigues is its fresh, herbaceous aroma. This sets the stage for an exciting tasting experience characterized by floral notes and a lemony tang. A hint of thyme and wild herbs further enhances the flavor, adding to the complexity of this cheese.

The texture of Rove de Garrigues is incredibly creamy, creating a melt-in-your-mouth sensation upon tasting. The milk used in its production picks up all the aromas of the land, resulting in distinctive and very pleasant lingering flavors of thyme and lemon.

But what truly sets Rove de Garrigues apart is its ability to capture the essence of its terroir. The taste hints at the wild plants of the garrigue, reflecting the unique environment in which the Rove goats graze. This makes each bite a journey to the lush landscapes of Provence.

What Pairs Well With Rove de Garrigues?

Food that goes well with Rove de Garrigues:

Beverage that goes well with Rove de Garrigues:

More Cheeses from France:

• Jonchée
• Brousse du Rove
• Bleu des Causses
• Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage
• Bleu de Chèvre
• Baguette Laonnaise
• Bergues