Lou Petiot is a small-format Ossau-Iraty, crafted and aged by the renowned affineurs of Fromagerie Pardou, located in the Vallée d’Ossau in the heart of the French Pyrenees.
Key Facts
Details
Key Facts
Origin: Midi-Pyénées region, France
Milk: Sheep
Rennet Type: Animal rennet
Style: Semi-hard
Classification: Artisan
Shelf Life: 7-10 days, this product is cut to order
Made from 100% sheep’s milk, this 600-gram cheese offers the same rich flavors and creamy texture as its larger counterparts but in a more convenient size.
Unlike most Ossau-Iraty cheeses shipped to Australia by sea, Lou Petiot arrives by air, ensuring a level of freshness that preserves its original quality—just as if you were tasting it in the Pyrenees.
Flavor and Texture
Texture: Smooth and slightly creamy, Lou Petiot has a supple, semi-firm paste that melts in the mouth.
Flavor: The cheese is delicate and mild, with soft nutty notes, a touch of sheep’s milk richness, and a subtle natural sweetness that makes it incredibly approachable. Its gentle flavors are balanced and buttery, without the sharpness found in some aged mountain cheeses.
A unique feature of Lou Petiot is its versatility—it can be enjoyed traditionally in slices, but it also works beautifully when shaved into delicate rosettes using a Girolle, just like Tête de Moine.
Pairing Suggestions
Food: Pair Lou Petiot with toasted walnuts, quince paste, or a crusty baguette to enhance its delicate sweetness. It also pairs well with honey and dried fruits.
Wine: A classic pairing would be a Jurançon Sec, which complements the cheese’s nuttiness and mild sweetness. For a red, try a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a Côtes de Gascogne to highlight its creamy, delicate nature.
A Taste of the Pyrenees
Lou Petiot is a perfect introduction to Basque-Pyrenean cheesemaking, offering a gentle, buttery experience with just the right amount of sheep’s milk richness. Whether enjoyed on its own or curled into beautiful rosettes, this cheese brings a taste of the Vallée d’Ossau to your table with an unparalleled level of freshness.
