Le Tastevin Wine Club - Notes on Cheeses – March 18, 2026

The cheeses were sourced from The Cheese Lady, and the epis and baguettes from Give a Thanks bakery, both in Rochester, Michigan. The demi epi bagette style, shaped like a wheat stalk (pain d'épis), is both beautiful and practical - perfect for tearing apart and sharing.

Bleu d'Auvergne (cow's milk) is a creamy, aromatic blue cheese from the volcanic Massif Central in south-central France. One of France's great blue cheeses and a fantastic partner for Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Region: Auvergne, known for volcanic soils and rich pastureland. Texture: Semi-soft, moist, creamy. Aging: typically 4-8 weeks. Blueing: Penicillium roqueforti, pierced to encourage veining.
Flavor Profile: Creamy, buttery richness; moderate salt (less agressive than Roquefort); herbal, grassy notes; mushroom, cellar, and gentle funk; sweet cream finish that softens the blue a bit.

Comté (6 month) is a young, supple, sweet-leaning Comté with minimal crystallization and a soft, buttery paste. At this age, it is closer to a mountain Gruyère than the nutty, caramelized older Comtés. Note: in the after-holiday slow season, you may need to order ahead for older Comté.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, mild, creamy; light butter and fresh milk notes; very low nuttiness (this develops after 10-12 months); almost no caramel or toasted flavors yet.

Page last updated: April 20, 2026 (EB)

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