Region: Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat in the Rhône-Alpes
Kind: soft, artisan
Fat: 45%
Rind: natural
Texture: creamy
Color: ivory
Flavor: acidic, sweet
Aroma: goaty, nutty
Alternative Spellings: Rigotte de Condrieu
Description: Rigotte, also known as Rigotte de Condrieu is a type of artisanal cheese made in the Lyonnaise region of France. The word is probably derived from the French town of Condrieu, some 40kms south of Lyon. Though Rigotte sounds similar to Ricotta, it is not produced by recooking the milky whey. In the 1930s, the farmers had to dilute goat's milk with cow's to produce the cheese due to the scarcity of goatherds. But, today, they produce this rare cheese from goat's milk. Rigotte can be eaten fresh, but the actual flavors develop on maturity. The pate becomes slightly moist, and the rind becomes nearly dry and finely wrinkled after maturation. The nutty, delicate flavor of honey and acacia will leave a wonderful taste in the mouth. It goes with Condrieu, red wines like Cornas and maybe a white St. Joseph.