Chevre Noir is a Canadian made goat cheddar produced by Fromagerie Tournevent in Chesterville, Quebec. It was developed in 1988 by a Louise Lefebvre. It was introduced to the market in 1989. Fromagerie Tournevent has subsequently been purchased by Damafro.
Chevre Noir - Goat Cheddar
This wasn’t the best cheese picture I’ve ever taken. In fact, I’ll admit that my picture doesn’t do the cheese justice. So here is a picture from Google Images that shows just how sexy this cheese is.
Chevre Noir - Image from Google Images
Chevre Noir is a lovely creamy white encased in an elegant black wax. It is a pretty good looking combination.
This cheese is firm, almost crumbly. It has a sharp taste with a bit of tang. I would consider it full flavored and definitely a cheddar. In fact, it tasted pretty much as I had expected with an extra bit of zip. Chevre Noir is aged for a minimum of one year. Upon researching the cheese, the consensus seems to be that it improves further with age. The Cheese Boutique ages it on site for three years.
Is goat cheese an acquired taste? I will admit that as I try more goat cheeses they are starting to grow on me. Don’t get excited … I’m not sending the cows home just yet.
This cheese still ranks behind some of my favorites like Beemster XO, Roaring Forties Blue Cheese and my recently discovered Niagara Gold. However, I am developing a new respect for goat cheese thanks to the Chevre Noir.
I think Chevre Noir is an interesting cheese for the cheese board. Most people like cheddar and Chevre Noir is cheddar with a twist … a good twist.
