The Label Rouge quality label is reserved for products which are constantly monitored and are expected to maintain higher standards compared to other products in the sector. Products such Isigny Sainte Mère’s Label Rouge Mimolette qualify for a label on the grounds of its quality, but there can never be an AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) for this cheese, since it has no geographic origins.

The cheese was the outcome of a ministerial decision under Louis XIV, to encourage the production of a French alternative to Dutch round cheeses such as Gouda at a time when France was at war with the Netherlands. As such, it had no geographical roots and could not then be attributed to any region or town.

The underlying principle of the Label Rouge is to guarrantee reliable, above average quality products: so if you’re shopping for something unfamiliar, the Label Rouge is a good indicator that you are looking at a best of class product.