Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Cheese Review - Magie de Madawaska

The Three Sopranos - Magie de Madawaska

Producer: Fromagerie Le Détour, Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Que.
Web site: www.fromagerieledetour.ca
Owners: Ginette Bégin, Mario Quirion

Profile
Milk:  Cow, pasteurized, Holstein
Type: Washed rind, surface ripened, soft cheese
Milk Fat: 28%
Moisture: 50%
Aged: 30 Days
Culture: B.Linens
Coagulant: microbial enzyme (non-animal rennet)
Shape: 100g, 500g, and 1.2-kilogram wheel

Awards: American Cheese Society (2011 - 2nd  place), Canadian Championship (2011 finalist)

History: The Fromagerie Le Détour only started producing in 1999 and  is well known for its Canadian iconic cheese, Grey Owl. The Magie de Madawaska was available in 2007 and was well received in New York cheese society. Magie is a mystical combination of the names of the owners, Mario and Ginette. Madawaska is an Indian name for “Country of Lake and River” and is also the name of the first seigneurie of the region.

Tasting Notes: This classy stinky cheese is washed in brine every two days and ripened for 30 days. If handled well and timely, the consumer receives Magie at its peak around 50 days aged. It is reminiscent of Époisse and Münster. Magie has a white-cream glossy ooziness under the sticky pink-orange and white rind.  The rind smell is fungal, mushroomy. The paste is slightly firmer oozy white chalk with a buttery, nutty and lactic-sour cream palate and a lingering creamy finish. Magie makes and excellent partner on a cheese board.

Pairing: Cider, dark beer, Riesling, dry wine with aromas of spice, toast or exotic fruit.

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