Pyramide de Touraine

From the sun drenched hills of the Touraine region, Le Meunier is a revered family fromagerie that has been working on crafting excellent goat cheeses since 1925, with each creation reflecting a deep reverence for tradition and the living soil. It is said that Napoleon himself, on his return from Egypt, was so captivated by the pyramids that he inspired local cheesemakers to craft a cheese in their likeness, though the truncated top was a practical solution to prevent the tip from crumbling during aging.

Today, this pyramid stands as a proud emblem of the Loire Valley’s gastronomic heritage, instantly recognisable and deeply cherished. Made exclusively from unpasteurised goat’s milk, it features a distinctive ash coated rind that develops a delicate, mottled grey blue bloom as it matures. Beneath this velvety exterior lies a dense, ivory paste that transitions from firm and crumbly at the edges to extraordinarily creamy and almost silky at the centre. The flavour profile is a captivating journey, beginning with a fresh, tangy citrus brightness that evolves into earthy, mushroomy notes and culminates in a long, hazelnut finish with a gentle peppery kick, a hallmark of its extended aging. To fully appreciate its majestic character, we recommend bringing it to room temperature for at least an hour before serving.

It shines as the crowning glory of any cheese platter, paired with fresh figs, sliced pears, or a dollop of fig compote that amplifies its nutty sweetness. For a liquid companion, a crisp Sancerre or a dry Menetou Salon is ideal, their flinty minerality and zesty acidity cutting through the creaminess while echoing the cheese’s tangy soul. A sparkling Vouvray or a light Chinon red also offers a delightful counterpoint, the bubbles or soft tannins lifting the palate and creating a harmonious finish that lingers long after the last bite.