Tommette de Brebis offers aromas of warm hazelnuts and buttered toast, inviting you to indulge in its rich and earthy character. The ivory interior of the cheese is creamy yet firm, becoming denser as it approaches the natural rind, which is rustic and beautifully speckled with molds that develop during its time in the caves.
When tasted, Tommette de Brebis reveals a complex layering of flavors. The initial taste is rich and sharp, soon giving way to deep, earthy notes with delightful undercurrents of grass, butterscotch, and nuts. It’s a cheese that evolves on the palate, offering new sensations with every bite.
Tucked away in the picturesque Béarn region of the French Pyrenees, Tommette de Brebis offers a taste of the region’s rich, cheesemaking heritage. A delightful cheese, each small, round wheel, is crafted from rich, floral sheep's milk, offering a taste that is both complex yet satisfying.
The sheep that provide the milk for Brebis graze on the lush grasses of the famous mountainside, imparting a subtle yet distinct taste that serves as the flavorful foundation for this cheese. Once formed, the wheels are sent to aging caves in Savoie, located in the French Alps.
Here, under the watchful eyes of skilled affineurs, the cheese is aged to perfection. For a minimum of six months, each wheel is carefully turned, brushed, and monitored, allowing the cheese to develop its signature texture and flavor profile. This extended aging is what sets Tommette de Brebis apart, allowing it to achieve a depth and richness that other cheeses only dream of.
Tommette de Brebis is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. While it can be sliced, the cheese truly shines when shaved into thin, creamy sheets that melt effortlessly on the tongue. This method of serving allows you to fully appreciate the cheese’s rich and nuanced flavors.
Pairing Tommette de Brebis with food and drink can elevate the experience even further. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with black cherry jam, though any fruit spread can complement its flavor beautifully. When it comes to beverages, rich white wine pairs wonderfully with the cheese’s aromatic profile, but don’t hesitate to try it with a medium-weight red for a different, yet equally delightful, experience.