Petite Sainte-Maures – The Delicate Goat Cheese of Poitou-Charentes Petite Sainte-Maures is a refined lactic goat’s cheese from the Poitou-Charentes region of western France. Made from pasteurised goat’s milk and produced by Poitou Chèvre, it captures the subtle elegance of this historic cheesemaking area. Pale, gently crinkled, and delicately crumbly, it offers a beautifully restrained expression of fresh milk, tangy brightness, and French terroir.
While visually reminiscent of the classic Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Petite Sainte-Maures has its own personality—smaller, slightly more yielding, and without straw that defines its cousin.
Key Facts
Origin: Poitou-Charentes, France
Milk:Goat
Rennet Type:Animal rennet
Style: Lactic
Classification:Artisan
Shelf Life:7 - 10 days
Goes well with: Sauvignon Blanc including Sancerre, Chenin Blanc, dry Rosé
Similar cheeses: Sainte-Maure, Valençay, Holy Goat La Luna
Details
Heritage and Philosophy Petite Sainte-Maures is produced by Poitou Chèvre, an artisan fromagerie located near Bougon, with deep roots in the regional tradition. The dairy has continued the legacy of the Bougon cheese dairy founded in 1906 by Pastor Eynard and rejuvenated in recent years with a renewed focus on classic raw and lactic goat’s cheeses such as Mothais-sur-Feuille and Chabichou. Their approach values both consistency and authenticity, balancing traditional recipes with modern hygiene and quality standards.
Flavour and Texture Texture: Lactic and fine, with a smooth, delicate crumble that becomes silkier with ripening. Moist but never wet, the paste gently spreads at peak ripeness.
Flavour: Clean and fresh with an elegant balance of sweetness and gentle goatiness. Notes of hazelnut, wild herbs, and a hint of citrus develop with age, making each bite light yet satisfying.
Aroma: Earthy and floral with hints of fresh grass, a mild mushroomy undertone, and a whisper of cellar mustiness as the rind matures.
Appearance Petite Sainte-Maures presents as a small, cylindrical cheese with a soft wrinkled rind, ivory-coloured paste, and a dry, elegant surface. The cheese is hand-moulded and turned, creating its natural geometric charm and rustic allure.
Pairing Suggestions Serve with: Light, crusty bread, a spoon of quince paste, or stone fruits like apricots or nectarines. Works well as part of a goat cheese flight or at the start of a meal.
Wine: Perfect with crisp, mineral whites like Sancerre or a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Also pairs beautifully with dry rosé or a fresh Chenin Blanc.
Occasions: Ideal for aperitif platters, romantic picnics, or as a graceful opening note to a cheese tasting.
More:
A Gentle Classic of the French Goat Tradition Petite Sainte-Maures may be small in size, but it carries the full spirit of the Poitou-Charentes terroir. A wonderful introduction to lactic goat cheese or a charming staple for aficionados, it offers balance, nuance, and unmistakable French finesse. Whether savoured alone or shared amongst friends, it reminds us that true delicacy lies in restraint.
