In the picturesque little town of Racine in Estrie, there is a gem of the Quebec agri-food scene: Fromagerie Nouvelle-France. Last month, I had the chance to go there to witness the unveiling of two new cheeses which, I am sure, will become new favorites among Quebec gourmands.
The Nouvelle-France Cheese Factory, winner of the prestigious Caseus Gold prize in 2023 as well as in 2022 for the best cheese of the year for his Zacharie Cloutier, chose to mark this day in a memorable way.
A name with history
From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this company is much more than just a place to produce cheese. It’s a true community, a family united by a passion for the art of cheesemaking.
Owner-cheesemaker Marie-Chantal Houde created this place with a clear vision in mind: to share her love for cheese and preserve the ancestral traditions that her family carries within them.
This is also the origin of the name of the cheese factory, “Nouvelle-France”. Marie-Chantal explains that, despite some initial reluctance to use this name which has a deep meaning for Quebecers, they decided it was the right choice.
For them, the name implies looking to the past to move forward, reminding everyone of the importance of their roots. Whether it's those from the village of Racine (we appreciate the play on words!) or those of their ancestors who were among the first settlers.
They also aspire that, perhaps one day, Quebec will become the “New France” of cheeses!
Two new competition cheeses
During this great event, the cheese factory was filled with a warm and festive atmosphere. The support from locals and sheep milk producers was tangible, showing the importance of the Fromagerie in the community.
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived, with the unveiling of the first cheese: “The Shepherds’ Fruit Farm” . It is a semi-soft cheese, paying homage to sheep's milk producers.
Marie-Chantal explains that this cheese deserves the term “fruitier” rather than “farmer”, because it is the fruit of the hard work of several sheep milk producers and not just one. The term is widely used in France, particularly by Comté producers, and serves as a qualifier for small cooperatives of dairy producers.
This new cheese, both delicate and tasty, is a real unifier. It is served with a Quebec fig spread to create the perfect bite.
The second cheese unveiled is called “ Samuel Le Bleu ”, a sheep’s cheese with rich and complex aromas. In terms of taste, it is somewhere between a Roquefort and a Bleu d'Auvergne.
This bold cheese is named after the founder of New France, Samuel de Champlain, and embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that characterizes this cheese factory. A real competition cheese!
There Fromagerie Nouvelle-France , with its attachment to traditions, its bold vision and its commitment to quality, is a true must-have in the world of cheese in Quebec.
With “La Fruitière des bergers” and “Samuel Le Bleu”, she continues to dazzle us with unique creations, thus strengthening her well-deserved place in the pantheon of exceptional Quebec cheesemakers. For all cheese lovers, this is an address to remember and absolutely visit.
