Valençay A.O.C. is a French gourmet cheese; a truncated pyramid that looks good on a cheese tray. According to French legend, Napoleon admired it too and this cheese's peculiar shape is his doing. Valençay was originally a true pyramid with a pointed top. But after a losing campaign in Egypt, Napoleon grew angry at the sight of this pyramid-shaped cheese and chopped off its top with his sword.
The Valençay is made by allowing the curd to drain in a mould, it is then removed and covered with salted charcoal ash and allowed to ripen for about 4 to 5 weeks. During this period the rind of the Valençay will thicken slightly and acquire blue marks.
The taste of this gourmet cheese is mellow and savory; the pate texture is fine-grained and cream. Each Valencay is packed in a small wood box.
