Mâconnais

Mâconnais is a tiny, conical cheese about the size of a shot glass, made from unpasteurised, full-fat goat's milk in the French region of Burgundy, departments of Rhône and Saône et Loire, where the goats graze on pastures around the local vineyards.

It is dried in cheese cages, hung in the open air and out of reach to various insects and pests. Aged for at least two weeks, it is very hard and dry, for such a small cheese, with a texture somewhere between crumbly, smooth and creamy. Even though it is small, the taste is intense and bold, but still not overpowering, so traditionally it is a daily snack to local winegrowers, paired with local white wines.

Alternatively, enjoy this pint-sized powerhouse's unique herbal and salty flavors with crackers and sliced fruit.