Dairy
Époisses
Époisses is a soft washed-rind cow’s-milk cheese from Burgundy, famous for its glossy orange-to-brick rind, spoonable creamy paste, and powerful savoury aroma developed by repeated washing with brine and Marc de Bourgogne. The interior is ivory, rich, and tangy; when fully ripe the cheese collapses softly and is often eaten with a spoon from the wooden box. It is a PDO product of the Côte-d’Or and neighbouring communes, traditionally linked to the village of Époisses and Cistercian monastic dairy culture. Strict handling and strong perfume make it a celebrated specialty rather than an everyday mild table cheese.
Also known as: Époisses de Bourgogne
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History
Cistercian monks at and around Époisses developed a washed soft cow’s-milk cheese later associated with the village name.
Époisses became known at French courts and regional markets as a prized Burgundian soft cheese.
After near disappearance, local producers revived commercial Époisses production in Burgundy.
Appellation d’origine contrôlée protection was granted for Époisses production methods and zone.
Époisses received Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union.
International fine-dining demand reinforced Époisses as one of France’s iconic washed-rind cheeses.