Saint Agur Cheese

Saint Agur is a luxurious French blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, originating from the Auvergne region in the heart of France. This cheese is celebrated for its creamy texture and distinctive blue veins, which are evenly distributed throughout its ivory-colored paste. Saint Agur is a double-cream cheese, meaning it has a high butterfat content, contributing to its rich and velvety mouthfeel. Encased in a natural rind, it is typically sold in wheels or wedges, making it a visually striking addition to any cheese board. Its unique production process and aging in the cool, humid caves of Auvergne give it a complex flavor profile that balances the tanginess of blue cheese with a subtle sweetness.

Saint Agur was developed in the 1980s by the French cheese company Bongrain (now Savencia Fromage & Dairy) as a modern interpretation of traditional blue cheeses. It was designed to offer a milder, creamier alternative to the more pungent varieties like Roquefort. Despite its relatively recent creation, Saint Agur has quickly gained popularity both in France and internationally, becoming a staple in the world of artisanal cheeses. Its name, inspired by the village of Saint Agur in the Auvergne region, pays homage to the area's rich cheesemaking heritage.

Saint Agur is made from pasteurized cow's milk, which is first curdled using rennet. The curds are then cut, drained, and molded into wheels. Penicillium roqueforti, the mold responsible for the blue veins, is introduced during the curdling process. The cheese is aged for about 60 days in the cool, humid caves of Auvergne, where it develops its characteristic flavor and texture. The high butterfat content, achieved by adding cream to the milk, gives Saint Agur its luxurious, creamy consistency.

Saint Agur offers a harmonious blend of flavors, with a pronounced tanginess from the blue mold balanced by a creamy, buttery sweetness. Its aroma is earthy and slightly pungent, typical of blue cheeses, but milder than more aged varieties. The texture is smooth and spreadable, making it a delight on the palate.

Saint Agur pairs beautifully with sweet and savory accompaniments. Try it with fresh pears, figs, or honey to complement its creamy sweetness. For a savory option, pair it with cured meats like prosciutto or salami. On the beverage side, a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a robust red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon enhances its flavors. For beer lovers, a rich stout or porter can stand up to the cheese's intensity.