Couronne de Touraine

From the verdant hills of the Touraine region, Le Meunier is a family owned fromagerie that has championed raw milk excellence since 1925, earning a devoted following among purists who cherish the unadulterated taste of the French countryside. The Couronne de Touraine, whose name means “Crown of Touraine,” is a tribute to the majestic châteaux that dot the Loire Valley, and its distinctive ring shape evokes the elegant wreaths of the region’s royal history.

This cheese was originally created to celebrate the local harvest festivals, where farmers would shape their curds into circular forms as symbols of abundance and continuity. Today, it remains a proud emblem of local gastronomy. Made from unpasteurised goat’s milk, this ash coated disc features a wrinkled, bluish grey rind that encases a dense, chalky white paste. The flavour is a masterful dance of earthy barnyard notes, bright citrus acidity, and a long, hazelnut finish that grows more intense with maturity, yet never loses its elegant balance.

To fully savour its depth, we recommend bringing the cheese to room temperature for at least an hour before serving. It shines as the centrepiece of a cheese board, accompanied by fresh figs, walnuts, or a drizzle of chestnut honey that amplifies its nutty dimensions. For the perfect liquid partner, pour a chilled Sancerre or a dry Vouvray, whose crisp acidity and flinty minerality cut through the creaminess while echoing the Loire’s terroir. A light, fruity Chinon red also offers a delightful contrast, softening the goat’s tang with its gentle tannins and berry freshness.