L’Ovile - Sepi
An ode to the most traditional Sardinian taste: L’Ovile pecorino by Sepi Formaggi is much more than a simple dairy product. It is an experience that captures the essence of the Campidano pastures and tells a story of centuries-old pastoral expertise.
In the heart of Sardinia, among the sun-drenched pastures of the Campidano di Oristano, one of the most celebrated cheese specialities of Sepi Formaggi is produced: L’Ovile pecorino. This cheese is not simply a food product, but the story of an ancient agro-pastoral tradition, skilfully interpreted by the expertise of the master cheesemakers, who work in perfect harmony with the local environment.
Supply Chain and Production Method: The secret of L’Ovile lies in the rigorous selection of the raw material: exclusively high-quality whole Sardinian sheep’s milk, collected from selected farms that ensure animal welfare and the wholesomeness of the milk. This essential ingredient is delivered to the Sepi Dairy, where, following careful quality and hygiene checks, its transformation begins. Production follows traditional methods, with the milk coagulated through the addition of sheep’s rennet. The resulting curd is cut into small granules, a meticulous step that determines its subsequent texture. This is followed by moulding and whey drainage, before moving on to the salting stage, a crucial step that ensures preservation and enhances the final flavour.
Character and Maturation: The real magic takes place in the maturation rooms. L’Ovile is an aged cheese that requires time and care, with a maturation period that gives the product an intense and robust flavour. The paste is hard and very compact, evolving from an initial white colour to a light straw-yellow shade as maturation progresses. Its texture is typically granular and pleasantly crumbly on the palate. The flavour is deeply aromatic and develops a distinct spicy note, which becomes more pronounced as maturation advances.
Interesting Facts and Tribute to the Territory: The name “L’Ovile” is a clear and direct tribute to the environment from which the cheese originates, evoking the image of the sheepfold where the sheep are cared for, a symbol of authenticity and a bond with the land. Sepi ensures that every stage of production, from milk collection to packaging, complies fully with current Italian and European food safety regulations (avoiding any health-related claims), offering a product of certified quality and unquestionable genuineness.
Recommended Pairings: Thanks to its rich and persistent flavour, L’Ovile is extremely versatile. It is sublime as a grating cheese over fresh pasta or risotto, adding a touch of bold flavour. On a cheese board, it pairs perfectly with honey, such as strawberry tree honey, and pear or fig jams, which balance its intensity. For a classic pairing with a strong regional identity, we recommend a Cannonau di Sardegna, a robust red wine that enhances its character. L’Ovile expresses authentic flavour: a Sepi Formaggi selection that brings the most genuine and flavourful traditions of the island to your table.
