Tomme de Rhuys

1. History

Tomme de Rhuys is inseparable from the Abbey of Saint-Gildas-de-Rhuys. Since the Middle Ages, Cistercian monks produced tomes to ensure their subsistence and preserve milk from local herds. Although production nearly disappeared with the decline of dairy farming in the 20th century, it was saved by a handful of enthusiasts who relaunched artisanal production at the Suscinio dairy farm in the 1980s, drawing on ancestral methods. The farm was created 25 years ago by Isabelle Guillon and Gurvan Bourvellec.

2. Physical characteristics

Tomme de Rhuys is an artisanal uncooked pressed cheese made from raw cow's milk, weighing approximately 1.9 kilograms and presenting a cylindrical shape. Its paste, ivory to straw yellow in color, is smooth, quite dense and creamy at the same time, with some openings. It is protected by a natural washed rind, the result of the work of mites that aerate this crust, allowing it to develop all its aromas. The rind varies from pearl gray to orange and contains cheese mites. The cheese contains 50% fat.

3. Taste profile

On the nose, Tomme de Rhuys presents aromas of cellar and straw. On the palate, it is a cheese offering pleasant terroir flavors with fruity notes, balanced with butter and flowers. From the power of this crumbly rind, you move to a creamy heart with buttery, floral and fruity aromatic notes, almost sweet, typical of cheeses made from black and white Breton cow's milk. The cheese will gain character over time.

4. Production zone and period

Tomme de Rhuys is produced at the Suscinio Dairy Farm, located in Sarzeau in the Rhuys peninsula, Morbihan department in the Brittany region. The farm brings together milk production from four local farms using three distinct breeds: Breton Black and White, Norman and Montbéliarde. Aging lasts between 2 and 6 months, ideally 70 days, with manual rubbing with salt water or Saint-Armel salt. The peninsula offers unique pasture with its mild oceanic climate and iodine-rich meadows.

5. Certification

Tomme de Rhuys is a commercial trademark and not a Protected Designation of Origin. This cheese won a silver medal at the Paris General Agricultural Competition in 2009. Brittany currently has no cheese with Protected Designation of Origin status, although there has been growing enthusiasm from young producers in recent years.