In a small medieval village in eastern France, artisan cheesemakers produce small, fragrant wheels of a pungent cow’s milk cheese following a traditional process dating back to the early 16th century. Named for the village where it is made, Époisses de Bourgogne was a favorite of Napoleon, who called it “The King of all cheeses,” and also of famed French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, who once said “A dessert without cheese is like a beautiful woman with only one eye.”

Production of this legendary fromage ceased for a time following the Second World War, but was revived in 1956 by Robert and Simone Berthaut, who founded Fromagerie Berthaut in 1956 to employ those who still possessed the traditional skills and knowledge to produce it. Never dreaming that this would be the start of the spectacular renewal of this ancient cheese, the fromagerie is now operated by their son, Jean Berthaut.

Époisses is a pungent, unpasteurized cows-milk cheese which is washed in Marc de Bourgogne, the local pomace brandy. These small circular wheels have a soft, dark orange exterior, and arrive packed in a wooden box. The cheese is often served with a spoon due to the extremely soft texture. This cheese is often served with a sweeter wines, which enhance its character. In 1991 Époisses de Bourgogne was awarded an Appelation of Origine Contrôlée (“AOC”) Protected Designation Origin, ensuring consumers a quality product of guaranteed origin and tradition. Although originally intended for the French palate, it is now exported worldwide, with distribution as far away as Shanghai!

I chose to pair Époisses Berthaut with one of my favorite white Bordeaux wines and warm baguette, although a good Champagne, Gewürztraminer d’Alsace, or a Bourgogne Blanc would also pair nicely. I find great comfort in the fact that although I left much of the great European cuisine behind when I moved back to the states, I can still enjoy some of my favorite cheeses right here at home.

You can purchase Époisses Berthaut and other imported French cheeses from the French Cheese Board and at many retailers. The Cheeses of France Marketing Council: Composed of French dairy farmers and cheese firms, the Council is led by The French Dairy Inter-Branch Organization (CNIEL) and their mission is to create awareness on a variety of cheeses of French cheeses that are available here in the US and around the world. They are helping and teaching Americans how to incorporate French cheeses into their diets, lifestyle, and recipes. Their marketing campaign is financed with the support of the European Union. To learn more about Époisses Berthaut and other French cheeses please visit The Cheeses of Europe.

Sources
Fromagerie Berthaut
The Cheeses of Europe
The French Cheese Board
Époisses de Bourgogne
Époisses Village