The Pyramid-Shaped Cheese from the Brenne Regional Park

The Pouligny-Saint-Pierre is the emblematic goat’s cheese of the Brenne Regional Natural Park – located in the centre of France near Poitiers. Easily recognizable by its slender, pyramidal shape with a square base, it is a cheese made from raw, whole goat’s milk. It was the first goat’s cheese to receive the well-respected French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) label in 1972. 

This cheese, matured for about three weeks, offers a creamy texture and a delicate, slightly salty and typical goat’s milk taste. It is distinguished by its thin rind, often covered with a slight mould and undergoes two types of aging (affinage): for one, the rind is white and presents more caprine aromas while the other, with a bluer rind, leans towards a mushroom taste.  

It is often appreciated for its subtle aroma and mild flavour, making it a good choice for cheese platters or to accompany salads. Pouligny-Saint-Pierre also goes perfectly with fresh fruit, walnuts or a good white wine. Open a bottle of dry and fruity white wine from the Cher or Loire valleys for the perfect pairing. 

Enjoy Pouligny-Saint-Pierre by dining in restaurants within the Brenne Regional Natural Park as well as at the Maison du Parc near Rosnay (www.destination-brenne.fr) or purchase some for your picnic basket at the Maison du Fromage in Pouligny-Saint-Pierre (online sales available too). 

Easy recipe: Pouligny Saint Pierre on toast  

Ingredients:  

• 1 baguette  
• 200 g Pouligny-Saint-Pierre 
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• A few crushed walnuts  
• A little rocket (optional)

Instructions:  

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. 
2. Cut the baguette into slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. 
3. Lightly toast the slices in the oven for 5 minutes. 
4. Meanwhile, cut the Pouligny Saint Pierre into slices. 
5. On each piece of toast, place a slice of cheese, a dribble of honey and a few chopped walnuts. 
6. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese slightly. 
7. Serve hot, accompanied by a rocket salad if desired.

Bon appétit!