Chabichou du Poitou

Pronounced shab-bee-SHOO duh pwah-TOO

Chabichou du Poitou is one of the older French cheeses. It won "Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP)" in 1996, guaranteeing the authenticity of its origin. It is made in the very limited geographic area above the chalky soils of the threshold of Poitou, halfway between Paris and Bordeaux. The size of a wine tumbler, Chabichou has a crinkly skin and a dense, chalky paste that melts in the mouth. Delicious and firm, with a lingering, tangy finish, Chabichou pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blancs, Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerres and Muscadets from the region, as well as most white wines. One piece weighs approximately 5-6 ounces.