Food & Wine On Board
French cheese is widely regarded as some of the best cheese in the world, with a long and storied history dating back centuries. For cheese lovers on board the barge Grand Victoria, there is nothing quite like indulging in a creamy, rich piece of French cheese paired with a glass of wine. But how did France become known for its exceptional cheeses? Let's delve into the fascinating history of French cheese.
Cheese-making in France dates back to the Roman times, with the Gauls (ancestors of the French) producing cheese from cows, goats, and sheep. Over the centuries, the art of cheese-making evolved and spread throughout different regions of France, each developing its own unique styles and flavors.
One of the earliest recorded French cheeses is Roquefort, which has a history dating back over a thousand years. Legend has it that Roquefort was discovered when a shepherd left his lunch of bread and sheep's milk cheese in a cave and returned months later to find it transformed into a delicious blue cheese. Roquefort became the first cheese to be granted an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, a designation to protect the authenticity and quality of regional products.
Another famous French cheese with a long history is Camembert, which originated in the Normandy region of France in the late 18th century. The creamy, bloomy-rind cheese quickly gained popularity and became a staple on cheese boards around the world. Brie, another iconic French cheese, has been made since the medieval times and is known for its creamy texture and earthy flavor.
French cheese-making reached its peak during the Renaissance period, with cheese becoming an integral part of French cuisine. French monks played a significant role in the development of cheese-making techniques, and many monastery cheeses such as Reblochon and Morbier are still produced today.
During the French Revolution, many cheese-making traditions were at risk of being lost as the nobility and clergy were targeted. However, the art of cheese-making persevered, and France continued to produce a wide variety of cheeses, each with its own unique flavors, textures, and aromas.
Today, France is home to over 1,200 different types of cheese, ranging from soft and creamy to hard and pungent. French cheeses are protected by AOC and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certifications, ensuring that they are made according to traditional methods in specific regions of France.
The private luxury yacht Grand Victoria provides guests with a selection of French cheese during their barge cruise. Comté cheese is always a favorite on our barge vacations and is made in the Jura Massif region of eastern France from unpasteurized cow's milk. It is a semi-hard cheese, pale yellow in color, with a texture that ranges from open, supple, and grainy for younger cheeses to dense, firm, and crystalline for more aged cheeses. When aged, its flavor is nutty, smoky, fruity and sweet, while the younger cheeses are more milky and fresh tasting. The barge Grand Victoria always serves a lunch with Comté.
So whether you're enjoying a slice of tangy Roquefort or a gooey Camembert, French cheese continues to captivate food lovers around the world with its rich history and unparalleled quality. So next time you're shopping for cheese, be sure to reach for a piece of French fromage and savor a taste of history.
Bon appétit!
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