Pionnier is a firm, washed rind,
cooked paste cheese, made from a blend of raw cow and sheep milks. The large 40
KG wheels which are aged for 10 to 12 months are branded with a muslin label
integrated in the crust.
The history of the Pionnier is
explained on the muslin label; "C’EST ELLE, C’EST LUI, C’EST EUX",
which translates to "It's Her, It's Him, It's THEM". She is Marie-Chantal Houde from Fromagerie Nouvelle-France (maker of Zacharie Cloutier winner of the 2011
Sélection Caseus Gold & 2013 Bronze), he is Jean Morin from Fromagerie du Presbytère (maker of Louis-D'Or
winner of the 2012 Sélection Caseus Émérite and Bleu d'Elizabeth winner of the 2013 Sélection Caseus Gold and 2013
Émérite award). They have put their hands and heads together to create the
Pionnier another award winning cheese (2013 Sélection Caseus Bronze & a
special award for Best Raw Milk Cheese).
The Pionnier has a lovely honey
coloured paste that is rich and creamy. Pionnier has a strong fruity, buttery
and hazelnut flavor, with a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, followed
by a complex lasting aftertaste. This artisanal mountain style cheese reminds
me of the French Savoie cheeses; Abondance and Beaufort d'Alpage.
Remember, Pionnier is an
artisanal cheese and is produced in limited editions. If you get your hands on
a piece, savour it. The Pionnier pairs
nicely with a white Chardonnay de Chablis or a Merlot de Savoie.
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