Chèvre Cheese
Chèvre is a goats milk made abundantly in the Loire Valley of France as well as in the United States. A higher proportion of fatty acids than cows milk cheese is what gives goats milk cheese it's tart flavor. Goat's milk cheese is easier to digest and lower in cholesterol and calories making it a favorite among diet conscious Europeans and Americans. Fresh goat cheese or Chèvre, which you can find at your local grocery store as well as specialty gourmets, weighs in at just 23 calories an ounce, compared to cheddar's 114 an ounce.
Chèvre cheeses come in a variety of sizes and shapes including cones, cylinders, discs, drums, and pyramids. The cheeses are often covered with ash or leaves, herbs or pepper. When young, Chèvre is mild and creamy. When older, the cheese is dry and firm with a slightly sharp and lightly acidic flavor.
It can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. It is fine in combination with a baguette, avocado, olives, figs and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Chèvre is used in salads, omelets, pizza toppings and souffles.
Sancerre and Rieslings as well as more full bodied Merlots pair well with this light in texture and spreadable cheese.