Montanaro - Sepi
Montanaro is one of the finest expressions of the pecorino cheese range produced by Sepi, a brand that for two generations has honoured and innovated the cheesemaking traditions of Sardinia. This semi-hard cheese takes its evocative name from the mountainous and pastoral environment, the beating heart of high-quality Sardinian sheep farming. The company, located along the SS 131, has made the rigorous selection of raw materials one of its strengths, using exclusively sheep's milk from local farms, particularly in central Sardinia and the Campidano plain. The close relationship between animal welfare and the characteristics of the territory is considered fundamental to the final organoleptic quality of the product.
The production of Montanaro follows methods that balance ancient cheesemaking expertise with modern control and hygiene techniques. The ingredients are simple and authentic: sheep's milk, salt and rennet. The purity of the ingredients is essential to enhance the sweet and delicate flavour typical of this cheese. After production, the wheels undergo a maturation process lasting a minimum of 15 days, placing Montanaro among young and fresh pecorino cheeses. This relatively short period is decisive for its soft texture and its delicate aromatic profile.
The organoleptic characteristics of Montanaro make it particularly enjoyable as a table cheese. The rind is thin and typically surface-treated with preservatives and colouring agents for protection, and is therefore not edible. The interior paste is white or slightly straw-coloured, characterised by a compact and soft texture, with sparse eyes. On the nose and palate, the cheese is floral and delicate, with a slightly salty flavour accompanied by notes of wild herbs, a direct expression of the sheep's diet in the Sardinian pastures. Its texture is melting in the mouth, leaving a pleasant and never aggressive sensation.
One interesting feature of Sepi Formaggi's success is its ability to adapt its formats to the needs of the modern market. While remaining faithful to Sardinian cheesemaking traditions, the company offers Montanaro in different cuts (whole wheel, half, quarters and even 350 g portions) and vacuum-packed, ensuring freshness and practicality for large-scale retail and the final consumer. This strategic approach has established the company as a reference point in the Sardinian sector, combining distribution innovation with artisanal quality.
In the kitchen, its delicate character and soft paste make it extremely versatile. It is excellent enjoyed on its own, accompanied by Pane Carasau and a drizzle of Sardinian extra virgin olive oil. Thanks to its non-spicy flavour, it is also perfect paired with marmalades and sweet fruit jams, or with delicate honeys, which enhance its aromatic notes. Montanaro is also ideal for enriching appetisers and charcuterie and cheese boards, offering a soft and pleasant contrast. The use of only sheep's milk and controlled maturation guarantees a high-quality product, particularly appreciated by those seeking authentic Sardinian cheeses that are both genuine and gentle on the palate.
