What is Valençay? A Hidden Gem in the Loire Valley

Nestled in the picturesque Loire Valley lies an unassuming culinary star – Valençay. This artisanal French cheese, with its unique pyramid shape and ash-dusted rind, is a delightful discovery for any cheese enthusiast. Named after the charming town of Valençay in central France, this cheese is a testament to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Crafted from raw goat’s milk, Valençay carries a fascinating story of its origin. It is said that its distinctive shape was born out of Napoleon’s rage, who, after a disappointing military campaign, lopped off the top of the cheese. Whether steeped in truth or not, this legend only enhances the allure of Valençay.

With a soft, velvety texture and a subtle salty, nutty flavor, Valençay is a study in refined balance. Its taste deepens as it ages, revealing more complex undertones. The contrasting hues of the dark grey rind, a result of charcoal dusting, and the pure white interior create a visually striking presentation that is as captivating as its flavor.

In the midst of the Loire Valley’s breathtaking vineyards and grand chateaus, Valençay cheese stands as a hidden gem, offering a sublime gastronomic journey steeped in tradition and taste.

Quick Facts About Valençay

Fact Category	Details
Milk	Unpasteurised goat cheese
Origin	Originates from the town of Valençay, in the Indre department of the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.
Type	Soft, Blue-veined
Shape and Appearance	Recognized by its distinctive truncated pyramid shape. It is often covered with a light ash coating, which gives it a blue-grey color.
Taste	Has a fresh, lemony, and slightly nutty flavor when young, which becomes more pronounced as it ages.
Texture	Has a soft, creamy texture which can become slightly crumbly as it matures.
Aging Process	Typically aged for at least 3 weeks.
Pairing Options	Pairs well with light, fruity wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. It can also be enjoyed with fresh fruits, nuts, and crusty bread.
AOC Designation	Valençay was one of the first goat cheeses to receive an AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation in 1998, which means that its production methods and geographic origin are strictly regulated.
Availability	While traditionally a springtime cheese, modern production methods have made Valençay available year-round. However, it may still be easier to find in the spring and early summer.

What is Valençay?

Valençay is a distinctive and celebrated cheese hailing from the province of Berry in central France, specifically named after the town of Valençay in the Indre department. This cheese is made from unpasteurized goat’s milk, lending it a unique flavor profile that is cherished by cheese connoisseurs globally.

Notably, Valençay is easily recognized by its truncated pyramid form. Local legend has it that the cheese was originally shaped like a perfect pyramid until Napoleon, returning from his unsuccessful campaign in Egypt, saw the cheese and, in a fit of rage brought on by the reminder of his military failure, chopped off the top.

The cheese’s rind contributes significantly to its overall character. It boasts a rustic blue-grey color, a result of natural molds that form during the aging process. The rind is further darkened by a dusting of charcoal.

Valençay is a testament to the ideal conditions offered by the Loire Valley, often referred to as “the garden of France.” The temperate climate of this region allows for the production of high-quality goat’s milk, which is then transformed into this distinguished cheese.

There are two primary varieties of Valençay cheese: one produced on farms and coated in wood ash known as Valençay Fermier, and another version that is industrially produced and often pasteurized. Both versions offer a tangy, slightly salty taste, although the raw milk variety is considered to have a richer, more complex flavor.

The cheese pairs exceptionally well with wine, particularly those from its region of origin. A soft goat’s milk cheese, Valençay’s flavor profile is complemented by the fruity notes found in many Loire Valley wines.

In conclusion, Valençay is more than just a cheese; it’s a symbol of its region, a testament to traditional cheese-making methods, and an explosion of flavor that has stood the test of time.

What Does Valençay Taste Like?

Valençay cheese has a unique and delightful taste that evolves with its age. When young, the cheese has a fresh and slightly acidic flavor, reminiscent of lemony citrus. There’s also a subtle hint of nuttiness in its profile.

As Valençay matures, the flavor becomes more complex and robust. The cheese develops a more pronounced tanginess, and the initial freshness transforms into a deep, savory, and mildly salty flavor. Some might also detect notes of hay and fresh grass, reflecting the natural diet of the goats whose milk is used to produce the cheese.

The rind, dusted with charcoal ash, adds another layer of flavor. It lends a slight earthiness to the cheese, balancing its tangy, creamy interior beautifully. The overall taste of Valençay is considered well-rounded and sophisticated, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts.

Remember, like all artisanal products, the exact flavor of Valençay can vary slightly based on factors such as the diet of the goats, the specific techniques of the cheesemaker, and the length and conditions of aging.

Valençay Tasting Notes

Freshness: When young, Valençay has a fresh and slightly acidic flavor, somewhat reminiscent of lemony citrus.
Nutty Undertones: There’s a subtle nutty undertone even in the young cheese, which adds complexity to its flavor profile.
Maturing Flavors: As it matures, the cheese develops a tangier and more savory taste. The initial freshness transforms into a deeper, mildly salty flavor.
Grassy Notes: Some tasters might also detect notes of hay and fresh grass, reflecting the natural diet of the goats whose milk is used to produce the cheese.
Earthy Rind: The rind, dusted with charcoal ash, imparts an earthy note to the cheese, balancing out the tanginess of the creamy interior.
Creamy Texture: Valençay’s texture is soft and creamy, which can become slightly crumbly as the cheese matures. This texture adds to the overall tasting experience, complementing the complex flavors beautifully.
Pairing: The cheese pairs exceptionally well with light, fruity wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. It can also be enjoyed with fresh fruits, nuts, and crusty bread, which can bring out different aspects of its flavor.

How to Eat Valençay?

Valençay cheese is quite versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

Cheese Platter: Valençay makes an excellent addition to a cheese platter. Pair it with a variety of other cheeses, fresh fruits like grapes or figs, and a selection of nuts for a balanced and delicious spread.
With Bread: The tanginess of Valençay pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, such as a French baguette. You can also try it with whole grain or rye bread for a different flavor combination.
Wine Pairing: Valençay cheese goes well with many wines, particularly those from the Loire Valley. Try pairing it with a Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc for a classic match. The fruity notes in these wines complement the tangy, earthy flavors of the cheese.
Cooking: While Valençay is often enjoyed raw, it can also be used in cooking. It melts beautifully, making it a great addition to dishes like quiches, tarts, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Dessert: The mild flavor and creamy texture of Valençay make it a great choice for dessert pairings. Try drizzling it with honey or pairing it with sweet fruits like pears or apples for a delightful end to a meal.

Remember, the best way to enjoy Valençay is at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about an hour before you plan to eat it. This will allow the cheese to “breathe” and fully express its flavors.

Where is Valençay Cheese Made?

Valençay cheese is made in the province of Berry, specifically in the town of Valençay, located in the Indre department of central France. This region is also part of the larger area known as the Loire Valley, often referred to as “the garden of France” due to its temperate climate and rich agricultural heritage.

The cheese can be made from both raw and pasteurized goat’s milk, and there are two main varieties: farm-made cheese coated in wood ash, known as Valençay Fermier, and industrial versions which are often pasteurized. The cheese is characterized by its unique truncated pyramid shape and a rind coated with ash.

The 2 Types of Valençay

Type	Valençay Fermier	Industrial Valençay
Made From	Usually made from raw goat’s milk.	Often made from pasteurized goat’s milk.
Production	Produced on farms in the Valençay region with traditional methods.	Produced in larger-scale facilities, often using modern industrial methods.
Rind Coating	Coated in wood ash, which gives it an earthy flavor and distinctive grey color.	Rind may still be coated in ash, but some versions may not have this feature.
Flavor	Tends to have a more complex and robust flavor profile, with notes of citrus, grass, and nuts.	The flavor can be milder and less complex, but still enjoyable.
Texture	Creamy texture that can become slightly crumbly as the cheese matures.	Texture can vary, but is generally creamy and smooth.
PDO Status	This type of Valençay has Protected Designation of Origin status, confirming its authenticity and adherence to traditional production methods.	While still considered Valençay, these versions may not meet all the criteria for PDO status.

Valençay cheese has been awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, which means that only cheese produced in this specific region, following traditional methods, can bear the name Valençay.

How is Valençay Cheese Made?

Milk Collection: The process begins with the collection of goat’s milk. The milk can be either raw or pasteurized, depending on the type of Valençay being made.
Curdling: The collected milk is then heated to a specific temperature and mixed with a starter culture and rennet. This causes the milk to curdle, separating into solid curds and liquid whey.
Cutting and Draining: The curds are cut into smaller pieces to help drain the whey. They’re then placed into pyramid-shaped molds, which give Valençay its distinctive shape.
Salting and Ashing: After the curds have been drained of whey, they’re removed from the molds and sprinkled with salt. They’re also coated in a thin layer of edible ash, which helps to develop the cheese’s rind and gives it its characteristic grey color.
Maturation: The cheeses are then left to mature for several weeks. During this time, they’re turned regularly to ensure even ripening. The maturation process allows the flavors to develop and the texture to become creamy.
Packaging and Distribution: Once the cheeses have matured, they’re packaged and ready for distribution.

7 Best Valençay Substitutes

Cheese	Explanation	Tasting Profile
Crottin de Chavignol	Another French goat cheese that is similar in flavor and texture to Valençay.	Mild and nutty when young, and it becomes more intensely flavored as it ages.
Chèvre	This is a generic term for French goat cheese, and it can be a good substitute for Valençay if you’re looking for a similar taste and texture.	Fresh and tangy with a creamy texture.
Pouligny-Saint-Pierre	This is another French goat cheese from the same region as Valençay. It has a similar pyramid shape.	The taste is subtle and slightly sweet with a hint of acidity.
Selles-sur-Cher	Another French goat cheese, Selles-sur-Cher is also coated with ash like Valençay.	Flavorful with a mix of nutty and fruity notes.
Bûcheron	A semi-aged cheese made from goat’s milk. It has a similar texture to Valençay but is usually sold in log shapes.	Creamy and buttery with a mild, tangy flavor.
Sainte-Maure de Touraine	A French goat cheese that shares a similar ash coating and regional origin with Valençay.	Rich and full-flavored with a smooth, creamy texture.
Humboldt Fog	An American artisanal cheese, it has a similar ash layer and is made from goat’s milk.	Tangy and citrusy with floral notes and a creamy texture.

What Pairs Well With Valençay?

Food that goes well with Valençay:

Category	Food Pairings
Bread/Crackers	Baguette, whole grain bread, water crackers, multi-seed crackers
Fruits	Fresh figs, pears, apples, grapes, dried apricots, dates
Nuts and Seeds	Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds
Meats	Prosciutto, salami, smoked salmon
Jams and Spreads	Fig jam, apricot preserve, honey
Vegetables	Marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, olives
Desserts	Dark chocolate, shortbread cookies, fruit tarts

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with Valençay:

Category	Beverage Pairings
White Wine	Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Red Wine	Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais
Rose Wine	Dry rosé from the Loire Valley or Provence
Sparkling Wine	Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
Beer	Belgian-style Saison, Wheat Beer, Light Ales
Cider	Dry apple cider, pear cider
Non-Alcoholic	Sparkling water, iced tea, apple juice

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Also read: