Banon Cheese

A variety of white cheese that comes from the Provence region of France. It is traditionally made with pasteurized goat's milk known as Banon Chevre, but it also made with cow's milk or a blend of sheep's, cow's and goat's milk. The texture of Banon cheese ranges from soft to firm and the flavor is mild to sharp. It is sold in small rounds that are traditionally wrapped with chestnut or grape leaves to enhance the flavor of the cheese and keep it moist, which hastens the production of molds adding even more flavor as the cheese ages. As it ages, the cheese becomes more creamy in texture and richer in flavor, providing a somewhat fruity tasting cheese. Banon cheese is usually served as an hors d'oeuvre or as a dessert cheese with fruit and a dessert wine.