A collection of our most luscious finds from Europe

Montcabrer - Spain
Made in Catalonia, Montcabrer is a gray-rinded goat cheese with a flavor all its own. A charcoal/ash rind covers a semi-firm paste and the wheel is a real beauty to observe. The flavor profile is fantastic in its complexity; you can taste the sweetness of the milk, and there is a pleasantly earthy and tangy finish to complement the smooth creaminess of this superb goat cheese.

Musings on Brie
The classic cheese of the holidays (what's a little butterfat between family and friends?), there's just something about the cold weather that makes us long for brie of any classification. While we love our Brie cheeses, don't miss out on some of our favorite brie-like double and triple cream cheeses.

Fromager d'Affinois
Ok, not technically a Brie. With a fat content of 60 percent, Fromager d'Affinois qualifies as a double-cream cheese, which positions it halfway between a classic Brie (about 45 percent fat) and a buttery triple-cream like Brillat-Savarin (about 75 percent fat). Loaded with oozy creaminess, this cheese is softer and more decadent tasting than Brie, with only the slightest hint of earthiness/mushroomy character.

Brillat Savarin
This is the cheese that goes to "11" on the creaminess scale. You simply can't get any richer and creamer (at least, not without some kind of reverse osmosis machine). Let it warm to room temperature before serving to allow it to reach its most perfect consistency. Serve on a plain crostini with the best bottle of bubbly you can find.

Gres des Vosges
An elegant little washed rind cheese from Alsace (yes, the Vosges mountains), it is matured in three steps. During the first 3 weeks, the cheeses are washed with light saltwater twice a week. During the next 3 weeks the cheeses are washed with a mixture of water and kirsch (a cherry brandy of the region). Shortly before they have finished aging, the cheeses are once again washed with kirsch, which further intensifies the flavor and aroma. The aroma is both funky and fruity and the flavors are somewhat meaty and milky with a touch of onion.

Stop by our department to put together your own cheese platter; if you need suggestions for pairings, we'll be happy to offer you suggestions.