Valencay
- Goats Milk
- Unpasteurised
- 4 Weeks +
- France
Description
Distinctive in both shape and character, Valençay is a classic French goats cheese recognised by its small pyramid form and delicate coating of vegetable ash. Beneath the fine grey-blue rind lies a snowy white interior that begins firm and smooth when young, gradually softening as the cheese matures. The ash encourages a gentle, even ripening, giving the cheese both visual elegance and a quiet complexity.
Its flavour is fresh and balanced, with a bright lactic tang typical of Loire Valley goats milk. Notes of lemon, hazelnut and fresh herbs emerge as it ages, while the rind contributes a subtle earthiness. Despite its character it remains poised and clean on the palate, finishing with a lingering, lightly mineral freshness.
It is traditionally made in the Loire Valley, a region long celebrated for its refined chèvres. The pyramidal shape and ash coating are part of a centuries-old tradition.
How much to buy
The individual cheese weighs 220g.
All cheeses are hand cut, therefore the weights listed are approximate. We work very hard to cut them as accurately as we can and happy to offer advice on purchasing the right amount if you are unsure. If you would like a price for larger weights or whole cheeses, please call us.
Delivery
We send our cheese by Royal Mail Tracked 24, with next-day delivery available across all UK postcodes for £4.99 per parcel. Orders over £60 qualify for free delivery.
We carefully pack every order to help keep your cheese in the best possible condition during transit. Royal Mail are very reliable, and most parcels arrive within 24 hours, but occasional delays can happen.
If you’re ordering cheese for a special occasion, party or event, we recommend having it delivered a couple of days beforehand. This gives you some extra time in case of an unexpected courier delay and allows the cheese to rest and reach its best before serving.
We currently deliver throughout the UK but do not offer international delivery.
How We Pack Your Cheese
Every order is cut and packed by hand, fresh to order by our team of cheesemongers.
Your cheese is wrapped in breathable waxed paper, which allows it to breathe while helping to protect it during transit and in your fridge. It is then placed inside a thermal foil pouch with a frozen gel pack to keep it cool on its journey. The gel pack will naturally defrost during transit; this is completely normal.
Finally, everything is carefully packed into a branded box to keep your order safe and presentable when it arrives.
We’re also conscious of the environmental impact of packaging. Around 95% of our packaging is recyclable or reusable, and we’re continually looking for ways to reduce waste and make our business more sustainable. We believe great cheese should be enjoyed with consideration for the planet, too.
Recipe / pairing suggestion
A crisp Loire white is the regional match and the obvious one. On the plate, honey and walnuts, or simply good bread. The ash rind is edible and worth eating.
The pyramid shape is not a gimmick, it ripens the cheese evenly. Best-looking goat cheese we sell.
FAQ
HOW SHOULD I STORE MY CHEESE ONCE IT ARRIVES?
Cheese is best kept in the fridge wrapped in the waxed paper or packaging it arrives in. Avoid plastic wrap, as cheese needs to breathe.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHEESE LAST?
Most cheeses will last 1-2 weeks if stored properly. Harder cheeses tend to last longer than soft cheeses.
DO YOU DELIVERY NATIONWIDE?
Yes, we deliver throughout the UK mainland. Some remote areas may have longer delivery times.
WHEN WILL MY CHEESE ORDER ARRIVE?
Orders placed before 12pm are dispatched the same day for next-day delivery. We deliver Tuesday to Friday.