Butter
butter
RECOGNIZED as PDO in 1979
The Beginnings of Butter in Poitou-Charentes
The history of Charentes- Poitou Butter dates back to the Middle Ages. Even back then, the region was renowned for the quality of its milk and dairy products.
Monks from local abbeys played a crucial role in developing butter-making techniques, passing down their know-how through the generations.
Recognition of Quality
In the XNUMXth century, the region's butter began to stand out on Parisian markets. Thanks to the high-quality milk produced by cows fed mainly in the fields, butter producers from Poitou-Charentes gained an enviable reputation.
It was during this time that production methods began to be standardized to ensure consistent quality.
THE BIRTH OF PDO
A PROTECTED DESIGNATION
In 1979, Charentes Poitou butter obtained AOC status ( Appelation Origine Contrôlée) , a national recognition that certifies the origin and quality of the product. This designation imposes strict rules regarding production, including the origin of the milk, the manufacturing methods, and even the conditions in which the cows are raised.
the origin of the milk, the manufacturing methods, and even the conditions in which the cows are raised.
PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN (PDO)
In 1996, Charentes-Poitou Butter obtains the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), a European recognition that replaces and strengthens the AOC. This distinction guarantees not only the geographical origin, but also compliance with rigorous specifications. The PDO protects the product from imitations and ensures consistent quality for consumers.
The characteristics
of PDO Charentes Poitou Butter
THE TERROIR
The PDO Charentes-Poitou Butter owes its quality to several factors. The region's terroir, with its rich pastures and limestone soils, produces high-quality grass that forms the main diet of dairy cows. This natural and varied feed contributes to the richness and complexity of the butter's flavors.
KNOW-HOW
Echire butter is made using traditional methods, notably slow churning and a 18-hour cream maturation period, which helps develop subtle aromas and a smooth texture. Producers still use artisanal, though modernized, techniques to ensure the product’s quality and authenticity.PDO Charentes Poitou Butter is much more than a simple dairy product. It is the result of a long history of tradition and expertise, rooted in an exceptional terroir.