What is Saint Nectaire? A Taste of the Auvergne Region’s Volcanic Pastures
Picture this: a picturesque landscape of lush, volcanic pastures nestled within the heart of France’s Auvergne region. Amongst this verdant expanse, cows graze leisurely, their milk destined to become one of France’s most treasured culinary delights – Saint Nectaire cheese.
Welcome to our exploration of Saint Nectaire, a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese that carries within its creamy depths, a legacy of the Auvergne’s unique terroir. Unraveling the story of this cheese is like embarking on a sensory journey through time, back to when ancient volcanoes shaped the landscape and enriched the soil, bestowing it with a distinctive mix of grasses and flowers that now lend Saint Nectaire its unmistakable flavor profile.
Quick Facts About Saint Nectaire
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France |
| Region | Auvergne |
| Made from | Cow’s milk |
| Pasteurized | No |
| Rind | Natural |
| Color | Pale yellow |
| Flavor | Nutty, fruity, mushroomy |
| Aroma | Earthy, musty |
| Texture | Semi-soft, creamy, supple, dense, and smooth |
| Aging Time | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Certification | AOC (1955), PDO (1996) |
| Family | Tomme |
| Fat Content | 45% |
| Type | Semi-hard, artisan, blue-veined, brine-washed |
| Pairings | Fruity red wines like Beaujolais and light-bodied whites like Sancerre |
What is Saint Nectaire?
Saint-Nectaire is a French semi-soft, washed-rind cheese hailing from the Auvergne region of France. This delectable cheese has been crafted from the milk of Salers cows that graze on the region’s rich, volcanic pastures. The unique environment in which these cows are raised imparts a distinct flavor to the cheese, making it highly sought after by connoisseurs.
Saint-Nectaire holds the prestigious Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) certification, a mark of quality given only to French agricultural products that meet a strict set of standards. It’s an uncooked pressed cheese, exclusively produced from Salers cow’s milk. The production process follows stringent guidelines and quality specifications, ensuring that every wheel of Saint-Nectaire you encounter lives up to its reputation.
The name ‘St. Nectaire’ aptly translates to ‘sweet nectar,’ reflecting the delightful and complex flavors hidden within every bite. It has a similar aroma to that of an extremely ripe nectarine. With a mild, fruity flavor, this creamy cheese offers a smooth, buttery texture and a pungent aroma.
Saint-Nectaire is more than just a world-famous cheese; it’s a testament to the rich history and tradition of the region. Once stored for aging on straw, earning it the name “rye cheese,” Saint-Nectaire rose to fame under the patronage of Henri de La Ferté. Today, it stands as the leading farmhouse Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Europe, with over 14,000 tons sold in 2017.
This cheese is made from cows that feed on the very rich and perfumed volcanic pasture lands of the Auvergne region of France. The “farmhouse cheese” designation means that the milk must come directly from the farm where the cheese is made. This ensures the freshness of the milk and, by extension, the quality of the cheese.
What Does Saint Nectaire Taste Like?
Saint-Nectaire has a complex flavor profile that is sure to delight the senses. It’s often described as having a nutty taste with a hint of fruitiness. The cheese also has subtle notes of mushrooms, which adds an earthy depth to its overall flavor.
Its texture is semi-soft, creamy, and supple, which makes it quite enjoyable on the palate. When you bite into a piece of Saint-Nectaire, you’ll notice that it has a dense and smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.
The aroma of Saint-Nectaire is also part of the tasting experience. It carries an earthy and musty scent, reminiscent of the cellars in which it is aged. This cheese is often paired with fruity red wines like Beaujolais or light-bodied white wines like Sancerre, which complement its flavors beautifully.
Overall, the taste of Saint-Nectaire is a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes, making it a unique and memorable cheese to savor.
Saint Nectaire Tasting Notes
- Flavor: The flavor of Saint-Nectaire is a delightful combination of sweet and savory notes. It’s often described as having a nutty taste with a hint of fruitiness. There are also subtle notes of mushrooms, which add an earthy depth to the overall flavor.
- Texture: Saint-Nectaire has a semi-soft, creamy, and supple texture. It’s dense and smooth, providing a melt-in-the-mouth experience that enhances its flavor.
- Aroma: The aroma of Saint-Nectaire is an integral part of the tasting experience. It carries an earthy and musty scent, reminiscent of the cellars in which it is aged.
- Appearance: The rind of Saint-Nectaire is natural and can range from gray to reddish-brown. The interior paste is a beautiful pale yellow.
- Pairings: Saint-Nectaire pairs well with fruity red wines like Beaujolais or light-bodied white wines like Sancerre. It’s also good with bread and can stand up to strong flavors like cured meats.
- Aftertaste: The aftertaste of Saint-Nectaire is lingering and pleasant, often leaving a hint of creaminess on the palate.
What is Saint Nectaire cheese made of?
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Milk | Saint-Nectaire cheese is traditionally made from whole cow’s milk. The cows are bred from the region which gives the cheese its distinctive taste |
| Rennet | Rennet is a complex set of enzymes that coagulate the milk, turning it from a liquid into a solid curd. This is an essential step in cheesemaking |
| Cheese cultures | These are specific bacteria added to the milk to start the fermentation process. They help develop the unique flavors, textures, and aromas of Saint-Nectaire |
| Salt | Salt is added for flavor and also acts as a preservative, helping to extend the shelf-life of the cheese |
Where to Buy Saint Nectaire?
10 Best Saint Nectaire Substitutes
| Substitute | Reason |
|---|---|
| Reblochon | Reblochon is a French cheese with a creamy texture and nutty flavor, similar to Saint-Nectaire |
| Brie | Brie is another French cheese that’s soft and creamy, making it a good substitute if you’re looking for similar texture |
| Camembert | Camembert has a strong, unique flavor and creamy texture that can be a good stand-in for Saint-Nectaire in many dishes |
| Taleggio | This Italian cheese has a strong aroma and fruity tang, which can replace the distinctive flavor profile of Saint-Nectaire |
| Munster | Munster is a French cheese with a strong flavor and soft texture, similar to Saint-Nectaire |
| Pont l’Eveque | This is a French cheese with a similar texture and a slightly sweet taste, making it a good substitute for Saint-Nectaire |
| Tomme de Savoie | Tomme de Savoie is a semi-soft French cheese with a mild flavor, which can replace Saint-Nectaire in recipes where a softer flavor is needed |
| Fontina | Fontina is an Italian cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making it a good substitute for Saint-Nectaire |
| Chaumes | Chaumes is a soft, creamy French cheese with a strong aroma and tangy flavor, similar to Saint-Nectaire |
| Coulommiers | Coulommiers is a French cheese that’s soft and creamy with a mild flavor, which can replace Saint-Nectaire in recipes where a milder flavor is desired |
What Pairs Well With Saint Nectaire?
Food that goes well with Saint Nectaire:
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Apples, Pears, Grapes |
| Vegetables | Raw Vegetables like Carrots, Celery, Bell Peppers |
| Bread | Fresh Baguette, Sourdough, Rye Bread |
| Meat | Salami, Prosciutto |
| Dishes | Truffade (a traditional dish from France’s Auvergne region made with potatoes and local cheese) |
Also read: What Fruit Goes on a Charcuterie Board?
Beverage that goes well with Saint Nectaire:
| Category | Beverage |
|---|---|
| Wine | Red Beaujolais, Red Bordeaux, White Chardonnay |
| Beer | Belgian Dubbel, English Porter, American Amber Ale |
| Cider | Dry Apple Cider |
| Non-Alcoholic | Sparkling Water, Apple Juice |
Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you eat the rind of Saint Nectaire cheese?
Yes, the rind of Saint Nectaire cheese is edible. It’s a natural rind that is typically washed and brushed during the aging process, which gives it its distinctive flavor and texture. However, the taste can be quite strong and earthy, so some people prefer to remove it before eating. As with any cheese, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
2. Is Saint Nectaire suitable for pregnant women?
Saint Nectaire cheese is not typically recommended for pregnant women. This is because it is a semi-soft cheese that is traditionally made with unpasteurized cow’s milk.
Unpasteurized soft cheeses can carry bacteria such as Listeria, which poses a risk to pregnant women and their unborn babies. While the risk of infection is low, if contracted, it can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, or severe illness in a newborn.
Nevertheless, if the cheese is thoroughly cooked and consumed immediately after cooking, it can be eaten safely during pregnancy, as the heat kills off any harmful bacteria.
Remember that it’s always best for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare provider or a dietitian about eating any kind of unpasteurized or semi-soft cheeses.
Also read:
- What is Stracchino (Crescenza)? The Creamy Treasure of Northern Italy
- What is Ossau-iraty? Exploring a Classic from the French Pyrenees
- What is Chaource? The Creamy Crown Jewel of French Cheeses
- What is Laguiole Cheese? An Iconic French Delicacy
- What is Maroilles? A Taste of French Heritage
- What is Quark Cheese? A Hidden Dairy Gem
- What is Livarot Cheese? The Pungent Delight from Normandy
