Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese brie is a variety of the traditional French cow's milk cheese, made with goat's milk. It is produced in France, Canada, and the United States. Goat brie has a bright white paste and edible rind, with a creamy texture and a tangy, earthy flavor. It is often considered milder and less aromatic than cow's milk brie, with a distinctive aroma and flavor that some may find unusual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aroma | Yeasty, wet hay |
| Flavour | Sweet cream with a hint of lemon, tangy, earthy, nutty, salty |
| Texture | Creamy, gooey, sticky to runny |
| Rind | White, bloomy, edible |
| Colour | Bright white |
| Country of origin | France, Canada, U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese brie has a tangy, earthy flavour
Goat cheese brie is also characterised by its bright white paste and edible rind, in contrast to the cream colour of cow's milk brie. The smaller fat globules in goat's milk keep the cream incorporated, resulting in a creamy, gooey texture that is smoother and less crumbly than other goat cheeses.
The aroma of goat cheese brie is typically milder and less pungent than cow's milk brie, with a yeasty, wet hay fragrance. It pairs well with white wines, especially crisp sauvignon blanc or albariño, and floral aromatics like Argentinian torrontés.
Goat cheese brie is a great option for those who want to explore new flavours without straying too far from the familiar. It is a lighter, uncomplicated cheese that is perfect for summertime. It can be served in the same ways as traditional brie, such as on crusty French bread or crackers, and can be used in recipes calling for brie.
When choosing goat cheese brie, look for a whole wheel with an intact rind, which will stay fresh longer. Wedges with exposed paste should be consumed within a week. While goat cheese brie can be frozen, it is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing affects its texture and flavour.
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It's often described as having a creamy texture
Goat's cheese brie is often described as having a creamy texture. This is due to the smaller fat globules in goat's milk, which keep the cream incorporated rather than rising to the top as it does with cow's milk. The texture is also described as gooey, sticky, smooth, and satisfying.
Goat's cheese brie has a bright white paste and edible rind, distinguishing it from the cream color of cow's milk brie. The rind is remarkably thin and bloomy, and the cheese is best served on crusty French bread, crackers, or eaten on its own.
The flavor of goat's cheese brie is often described as tangy, earthy, and reminiscent of mushrooms. It is milder and less aromatic than cow's milk brie, with a subtle nutty flavor and a hint of lemon. Some people also detect a powerful goaty tang that surprises the taste buds, but the finish is clean without any long lingering pungency.
Goat's cheese brie pairs well with many types of white wine, especially crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño. It can be used in any recipe that calls for brie and is a great addition to a cheese plate.
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Goat cheese brie is usually white in colour
Goat brie is produced in a similar way to cow's milk brie. Rennet and enzymes are added to the milk, and then it is heated, causing curds to form. These are packed into moulds, and any excess whey is drained off. Yeast is added to feed the Penicillium candidum mould responsible for the rind.
Goat's milk brie has an edible bloomy rind, like cow's milk brie. The smaller fat globules in goat's milk keep the cream incorporated, whereas in cow's milk, the cream rises to the top. This makes goat's milk easier to digest and a good option for those who cannot tolerate cow's milk cheese.
Goat cheese brie has a creamy texture, and a slightly tangy, earthy flavour. It is often described as milder and less aromatic than cow's milk brie, with a subtle nutty taste. It pairs well with white wine, especially a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.
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It pairs well with white wines like sauvignon blanc
Goat cheese brie has a distinct flavour and texture that sets it apart from traditional cow's milk brie. It is often described as having a tangy, earthy flavour with hints of mushrooms and a nutty undertone. The goat's milk also imparts a slightly mineral-y and grassy taste, giving it a unique character.
When it comes to wine pairings, goat cheese brie shines when accompanied by white wines. Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp and refreshing variety, is an excellent choice to complement the cheese's flavour profile. The acidity and fruity notes of Sauvignon Blanc provide a delightful contrast to the tanginess of the cheese, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Albariño, another white wine suggestion, offers a more floral and aromatic profile that can beautifully accentuate the subtle nuances of goat cheese brie. For those who enjoy exploring less common pairings, an Argentinian Torrontés can be a delightful option, adding a unique twist to the classic combination of cheese and wine.
The versatility of goat cheese brie also extends to food pairings. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect addition to a cheese plate, where it can be paired with other cheeses like Comte and blue cheese. Goat cheese brie is also delicious on crusty French bread or crackers, providing a satisfying contrast of textures and flavours.
When serving goat cheese brie, it is recommended to let it come to room temperature to fully appreciate its flavour and texture. This small step can elevate the tasting experience, making it a true delight for the senses. So, the next time you're looking for a cheese and wine pairing, consider goat cheese brie and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing and flavourful treat.
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Goat cheese brie is easier to digest than cow's milk brie
While goat cheese brie is generally milder and easier to digest than cow's milk brie, there are some variations in flavor and texture depending on the brand. For example, the Laura Chenel version of goat cheese brie is known for its strong goaty tang that surprises the taste buds. It has a noticeable salty flavor and a smooth, slightly rubbery texture. On the other hand, the French goat Brie, Florette, is known for its extra smooth interior due to the ultrafiltration of pasteurized goat milk before the curds are separated from the whey.
Cow's milk brie, on the other hand, is known for its earthy and creamy flavor, with notes of asparagus or broccoli. It has a cream-colored rind and a runnier texture compared to goat cheese brie. The fat globules in cow's milk are larger, which causes the cream to separate and rise to the top. This may be one of the reasons why some people find cow's milk brie more difficult to digest than goat cheese brie.
In terms of nutritional content, goat's milk brie contains slightly less protein, fat, and calories than cow's milk brie. However, it is significantly higher in certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin B1, and riboflavin. This is due to the way a goat's liver functions, filtering out more beta carotene and converting it into colorless vitamin A.
Overall, goat cheese brie is a great alternative to cow's milk brie for those who are looking for a milder, easier-to-digest option. It has a subtle and tangy flavor, a creamy texture, and pairs well with white wine. While there are some variations in taste and texture depending on the brand, goat cheese brie is generally a good choice for those who want to explore new cheeses or are looking for a lighter option.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese brie has a tangy, earthy flavour with hints of mushroom, lemon and yeast. It is often described as milder and less aromatic than cow's milk brie.
Goat's milk brie has a brighter white colour than cow's milk brie, which is cream-coloured. This is because goats convert carotene in grass and hay into colourless vitamin A, whereas cows do not, giving their milk a yellowish colour.
Goat cheese brie is best served at room temperature. It pairs well with crusty French bread, crackers or fr... and many types of white wine, especially crisp sauvignon blanc or albariño.
Goat cheese brie has a creamy, gooey texture and a thin, bloomy rind. It is firmer than cow's milk brie.
Goat cheese brie is available from cheesemakers in France, Canada and the United States. Notable brands include Laura Chenel, Vermont Creamery, Fromagerie Guilloteau and Cassificio della Alta Langa.
