San Simón da Costa D.O.P. smoked cheese

San Simón da Costa is one of Galicia's most unique Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P.) cheeses: an elegant, subtly smoky, and gently milky cow's milk cheese, instantly recognizable by its shape alone. Its characteristic tear-drop or top-like form, golden-brown rind, and delicate smoky aroma evoke the traditions of the Terra Chá region in northwest Spain.

This cheese comes to us from Spanish Cheese, a Spanish cheese specialist based in Albacete, whose offering focuses specifically on selecting, aging, and presenting D.O.P. Spanish cheeses.

San Simón da Costa D.O.P. originates from Galicia, in the province of Lugo. The cheese is made from cow's milk and develops its final character after a short aging period. Its unique feature is the smoking process: traditionally, it is smoked with birch wood, which imparts not an aggressive, heavy smokiness, but rather an elegant, clean, slightly sweet, woody aroma. This makes San Simón da Costa an excellent choice for those who enjoy smoked cheeses but don't seek an overly strong, dominant smoky flavor.

Its texture is semi-hard, slicing beautifully, yet pleasantly elastic and creamy to the touch. The aroma reveals notes of butteriness, fresh milk, and delicate birch smoke. Its flavor is mild, round, slightly salty, with a subtle smoky finish. It's not a bold cheese; rather, it's elegant and very easy to eat: precisely the kind from which it's easy to cut another slice after the first.

It works wonderfully on a cheese board, especially with olives, walnuts, toasted seeds, fresh bread, or crispy grissini. It pairs well with white wines, lighter red wines, and dry cider. It's also excellent in grilled sandwiches, on toast, baked potatoes, or as a gratin topping, as it retains its delicate smoky character even when melted.

San Simón da Costa is a good example of the diversity of Spanish cheese culture: it's not just the world of Manchego that exists, but also the green landscapes of Galicia, its cow's milk cheeses, and its delicately smoked, elegant specialties.

The cheese will be freshly cut and vacuum-packed in pieces weighing approximately 150–250 grams; the desired size can be selected at the top of the page.