Brebirousse, a Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing?

Brebirousse d’Argental is one of my all-time favorite cheeses, not least of all because it’s kind of sneaky. Why? At first glance (and sniff), one might think this is a washed-rind cheese. But unlike cheeses that are rinsed in brine to foster the growth of orange-hued, stinky bacteria, Brebirousse is a “simple” soft-ripened cheese with natural color added to the rind.

Sheep’s milk makes Brebirousse sweet and rich, and its mold-covered rind creates an unctuous texture and heady fragrance.

But it’s NOT washed. Let’s just call it a sheep in wolf’s clothing!

(Pair with Champagne or lightish-reds like Red Burgundy or Cotes du Rhone).