Abbaye de Tamie
Abbaye de Tamie is a soft cheese which is similar to Reblochon, but stronger in flavor and usually larger, although it does come in two sizes, 1.4kg and 600g rounds. The rind is washed with brine. It is aged in the vaulted cellers of the abbey where it is cared for; bathed and rubbed every other day.
Abbaye de Tamie sports a distinctive blue (and red) label with a bold blue maltese cross and a picture of the abbey. The french label has a more subtle blue with the abbaye in a sepia tone. The cheese is meltable and would also work in a sandwich.
Joanne’s Tasting Note: Nose of wet cow and ammonia. Definitely in the stinky category. Pate is golden cream colored and has some medium sized holes. The pate is semi-soft to soft and slightly gooey. It's almost spreadable at room temperature, but holds its form and doesn’t run. Pate is smooth and silky in the mouth and it doesn’t immediately melt away immediately. A hint of sweet hay and fresh cream with a tiniest bit of bitterness on the finish. Good acids in this cheese. Near the rind more traits of stinky cheeses and wet cellar with ammonia and acridity on the finish. The rind is orange brown with a thin dusting of mold mostly white but yellows and browns as well.
Wine Pairing suggestion: Cru Beaujolais
