What is Fleur du Maquis? A Taste of Corsica’s Maquis in Every Bite

Welcome to our exploration of the enchanting world of cheese, where today we’re setting our sights on a unique gem from the picturesque island of Corsica – Fleur du Maquis. This evocative cheese is not just a culinary delight, but also a sensory journey that takes you straight to the heart of the Corsican maquis – the wild, aromatic scrubland that covers much of the island’s landscape.

Fleur du Maquis, or ‘Flower of the Maquis’, is a testament to Corsica’s rich heritage and diverse flora. It’s as if a piece of the island’s soul has been captured in each bite, transporting you to the sun-drenched hillsides dotted with herbs and blooming wildflowers. This semi-soft sheep’s milk cheese, encrusted with a fragrant medley of rosemary, fennel seeds, juniper berries, and bird’s eye chili, embodies the essence of its place of origin.

Quick Facts About Fleur du Maquis

Country of Origin	France
Region	Corsica
Classification	Fresh cheese, aged, semi-soft
Milk	Pasteurized Lacaune sheep’s milk
Rind	Full-flavored, mold ripen, natural
Diameter	12 cm (5 inches)
Height	4.5 cm (2 inches)
Weight	750 g (1 lb 10 oz)
Shape	Round, square (occasionally)
Fat content	15% to 45%
Rennet	Animal
Seasonality	Spring, Summer, Fall
Age	3 months
Aroma	Herbaceous (due to its coating of herbs and occasional chilies), musty, nutty
Tasting	Delicate, almost-mentholated aromatic notes, honeyed, peppery, tangy
Pairing	Serve alone due to it being a full-flavored cheese
Beverage pairing	Local red wine (Cap Corse), Albarino, Riesling, Tempranillo
Texture	Melting, mellow, tender, creamy, firm, moist
Color	Blue-grey dotted molds (exterior), white (interior)

What is Fleur du Maquis?

Fleur du Maquis, translating to “flower of the maquis,” is an enchanting cheese hailing from the rugged landscapes of Corsica. This semi-soft cheese, crafted from ewe’s milk, is a testament to the island’s rich pastoral tradition. Known for its creamy, firm, and moist texture, Fleur du Maquis offers a delightful sensory exploration for any cheese enthusiast.

One of the few Corsican cheeses available outside France, Fleur du Maquis is also known as ‘Brin d’amour‘ and ‘Petit-Corse’. This cheese features an herb-packed rind that gives way to a creamy, moist, and springy paste full of pleasant sour notes and grassy undertones. The cheese’s rustic appearance belies its sweet, delightfully rich, and savory flavor profile, further enhanced by its herbaceous aroma.

Despite its rustic appearance, Fleur du Maquis is far from a strong-tasting cheese. It is, instead, a harmonious blend of flavors that reflect the Mediterranean coastal region’s dense vegetation, known as the maquis. The cheese is typically coated in rosemary and juniper berries, imparting it with a distinct herbal flavor.

Whether you know it as Fleur du Maquis or Brin d’amour, this Corsican gem is a celebration of the island’s unique flora and fauna. Its name, meaning flower of the maquis, perfectly captures the essence of this cheese, which mirrors the aromatic and vibrant character of the Mediterranean maquis.

What Does Fleur du Maquis Taste Like?

Despite its rustic appearance, Fleur du Maquis is not a strong-tasting cheese. Instead, it offers a sweet, delightfully rich, and savory flavor profile that is further enhanced by its herbaceous aroma. The cheese is encrusted with rosemary, fennel seeds, juniper berries, and bird’s eye chili, providing a taste reminiscent of Corsican summers.

The taste of Fleur du Maquis is a harmonious blend of mild, sour, tangy, and citrusy flavors. The unique combination of herbs and spicy chilies does not overwhelm the flavor, thanks to the proportions being cleverly thought out. The seasonings on the outside – rosemary, fennel, savory, juniper berries, and red chile – are meant to reflect what grows wild on rugged Corsican terrain.

Fleur du Maquis Tasting Notes

Appearance: Fleur du Maquis has a distinctive rustic appearance. The rind is coated with a mixture of Mediterranean herbs and spices, including rosemary, fennel seeds, juniper berries, and bird’s eye chili. Its color varies from ivory to pale yellow, depending on the degree of maturation.
Texture: This semi-soft cheese is creamy, firm, and moist. It offers a springy paste that is accessible and inviting.
Aroma: Fleur du Maquis carries a robust, herbaceous aroma that reflects the rich vegetation of the Corsican maquis. The scent of rosemary and other herbs is prominent, adding a layer of complexity to the cheese.
Flavor: Despite its rustic look, Fleur du Maquis is not overly strong. It presents a harmonious blend of mild, tangy, sour, and citrusy flavors. The taste of the ewe’s milk is subtle but noticeable, complemented by the herbal notes from the rind.
Aftertaste: The aftertaste of Fleur du Maquis is lingering and pleasantly savory, with the herbal flavors continuing to resonate on the palate.
Pairing: Fleur du Maquis pairs well with light, fruity wines such as a Vermentino from Corsica. It also goes well with crusty bread and can be used to enhance the flavors of salads and pastas.

What Pairs Well With Fleur du Maquis?

Food that goes well with Fleur du Maquis:

Type of Food	Specific Items
Meat	Hearty pork chop
Bread	Crusty bread
Vegetables	Young fava beans
Cheese	Brocciu Corse, Brin d’Amour, Casgiu paisanu, U bel fiuritu, Venaco

Beverage that goes well with Fleur du Maquis:

Type of Beverage	Specific Items
White Wine	Vermentino from Corsica, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Red Wine	Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais
Beer	Belgian-style Saison, Wheat Beer
Spirits	Dry Vermouth, Gin
Non-Alcoholic	Sparkling Water, Herbal Tea