Rove des Garrigues (Lot, Midi-Pyrénées)

This is a beautiful, arid area with scrubby grasslands of wild thyme and gorse, and dense woodland of chestnut trees. The goats roam free and eat herbs and chestnuts, which give the milk its definitive herbal bosky flavours.

The early spring cheeses are fresh and tangy and as the season progresses the flavours become more full. They are best eaten between early spring and early autumn. Try a gentle white wine in a simple style with this cheese.