Roquefort Frere Verniere

Roquefort Orchis Noir by Frères Vernières is a classic raw sheep’s milk blue cheese from Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, in the Aveyron region of southern France. Produced by an independent family company that has specialised exclusively in Roquefort since 1890, this cheese represents one of the great historic styles of French blue cheese. Rich, salty, creamy, and intense, Orchis Noir is a Roquefort with real depth: powerful enough for blue cheese lovers, but still beautifully balanced when served at the right temperature. Key Facts Origin: Midi-Pyrénées region, France Milk: Ewe (raw milk) Rennet Type: Animal rennet Style: Blue Classification: Artisan Shelf Life: 7 - 10 days Goes well with: Sauternes or other “sticky” dessert wines, pear, rye bread, walnuts, fig paste Similar cheeses: Crozier Blue, Venus Blue, Bleu de Causses (know as “poor man’s Roquefort”), Details Roquefort can only be produced from raw sheep’s milk, traditionally from Lacaune sheep, a breed particularly suited to the Causses and Lévézou plateaus. Vernières highlights the use of Lacaune sheep’s milk for its balance between dairy richness and rustic character. The landscape around Roquefort is dry, rocky, and windswept, with natural pastures that give the milk its distinctive savoury and aromatic profile. Production and Affinage Roquefort is pierced to allow air into the paste, encouraging the development of its famous blue mould, Penicillium roqueforti. The cheese is then matured in the natural caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where cool air and humidity create the ideal environment for ageing. Frères Vernières combines modern production with the ancestral character of the Roquefort appellation. The company now produces its Roquefort in Villefranche-de-Panat on the Lévézou plateau, while the cheese is matured and finished according to Roquefort tradition. Texture and Flavour Texture: Creamy, moist, and slightly crumbly, with a rich paste crossed by dark blue veins. It breaks easily but melts beautifully on the palate. Flavour: Bold and savoury, with the classic Roquefort intensity: salty sheep’s milk richness, sharp blue spice, fresh cream, toasted nuts, and a long mineral finish. The flavour is powerful but not aggressive, with a beautiful balance between creaminess and blue bite. Aroma: Deep and expressive, with notes of cellar, sheep’s milk, butter, damp stone, and blue mould. How to Enjoy Serve Roquefort Orchis Noir at room temperature, ideally 30 minutes before eating, so the texture softens and the aroma opens fully. Perfect with: Fresh baguette or walnut bread Pears, figs, or grapes Walnuts or hazelnuts Honey or quince paste Steak, salads, or roasted vegetables It also works beautifully crumbled over endive salad, melted into a sauce, or served with a simple slice of good bread. A Classic Blue with Real Character Roquefort Orchis Noir is a cheese of contrast: creamy but crumbly, salty but sweet on the finish, powerful but refined. It is a true expression of raw sheep’s milk, natural cave ageing, and the unmistakable character of Roquefort. A must for customers who love bold, traditional blue cheeses.