Rouzaire's Coulommiers: A French Cheese Masterpiece

Historical and Geographical Context

Coulommiers cheese hails from the quaint town of Coulommiers in the Île-de-France region, a part of France renowned for its rich dairy heritage. Known historically as a precursor to the famous Brie, Coulommiers is celebrated for addressing the logistical problems with transporting larger Bries. Its smaller, thicker wheel was designed for practicality without compromising on its gloriously rich flavor.

Every spring, the town of Coulommiers becomes a hub of gastronomical enjoyment, celebrating this iconic cheese with its annual Cheese and Wine Festival. This festival marks a testament to the deep cultural significance and high esteem with which the locals regard this cheese.

The Rouzaire Brand

Navigating the intricate world of French cheeses, Fromagerie Rouzaire stands out with its third-generation, family-owned establishment situated in the heart of Seine-et-Marne. Their dedication to artisanal production techniques is evident, transforming each wheel of Coulommiers into a work of art through hand-molding and delicate maturation.

Rouzaire’s commitment hasn’t waned over time; it has continuously delivered excellent quality through practices that celebrate the traditional yet ever-revered method of cheese-making. Offering the cheese in convenient export-friendly formats like the 400g wheel, Rouzaire ensures artisanal French delight is accessible to cheese enthusiasts worldwide.

Production and Technical Specifications

This exquisite cheese starts its journey from the finest cow’s milk, crafted meticulously into molds that shape the cheese into its signature size and texture. The careful application of Penicillium candidum gives Coulommiers its characteristic bloomy rind, transforming the taste and texture profile of the cheese over a maturing period of 3–4 weeks.

Upon maturity, this soft cheese showcases a velvety white rind occasionally spotted with hints of red or orange, indicating a ripening that promises deeper flavors. Inside, the paste transitions from a firm, chalky texture in youth, to a soft, creamy interior as it ages.

Sensory Profile

Coulommiers tantalizes the senses with its fresh mushroom aroma—a hallmark of premier bloomy-rind cheeses—accompanied by warm notes of milk and cream. This sensory delight continues in its flavor profile, offering a smooth, nutty taste enriched with undertones of hazelnut and sweet almond.

The texture of Coulommiers is another alluring characteristic; creamy, melt-in-the-mouth, and occasionally runny if fully matured, ensuring a versatile enjoyment experience—from easy slicing to lavish spreading.

Culinary Uses

Enjoy Coulommiers as part of a traditional cheese platter, or incorporate its flavors into culinary creations akin to Brie or Camembert. Whether accompanying a slice of crusty bread or enhancing recipes like cheese on toast, this cheese harmonizes marvelously with both red and white wines.

Summary of Key Attributes

• Type: Soft, bloomy-rind, cow’s milk cheese
• Brand: Rouzaire (artisanal, family-owned)
• Region: Seine-et-Marne, Île-de-France, France
• Size: 12–15 cm diameter, 2.5–3 cm thick, 400g wheel
• Texture: Creamy, supple, sometimes runny
• Flavor: Mild, nutty, buttery, sweet almond/hazelnut notes
• Aging: 3–4 weeks
• Pairings: Fruity reds, crisp whites, crusty bread, fruit, nuts
• Availability: Year-round, internationally distributed