Satonnay Pétales Roses

1. History

Satonnay Pétales Roses is a variant of the commercial brand Satonnay aux Fleurs, created by Fromagerie Chevenet SARL in Hurigny, Saône-et-Loire. Made from raw milk of 2000 goats from SCEA de la Baratte in Satonnay, Saint-Maurice-de-Satonnay, it blends cheesemaking tradition with floral innovation. Chevenet is a leading European producer of farm goat cheeses, offering flavored versions like lemon or truffle.

2. Physical characteristics

This fresh cheese from whole raw goat's milk has a white, creamy yet firm paste, coated in rose petals for texture and crunch. Its natural rind is lightly dusted with geotrichum, with fat content around 12-26%. Typically 200g, it offers an elegant visual appeal with pink petals.

3. Taste profile

The nose shows a caprine aroma with hay and rose notes, while in the mouth it's refreshing, slightly acidic, with fresh nutty flavors. Rose petals add mild bitterness and crunch contrasting the creamy tenderness. Perfect on toasts, it balances goat freshness and floral notes.

4. Production zone and period

Produced in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, mainly Saône-et-Loire (dept. 71), by Fromagerie Chevenet in Hurigny near Mâcon. Mainly made in winter, though available year-round per some sources. Goats are raised in free herds with computerized monitoring.

5. Certification

Satonnay Pétales Roses has no AOP, AOC, or IGP certification; it's a commercial brand without protected designation. Made with raw French goat milk following farm traditions. No organic or specific labels mentioned.