Sant Gil d’Albió Garrotxa 1 lb

Sant Gil d’Albió Garrotxa is an artisanal, semi-hard goat's milk cheese from Catalonia, Spain, known for its distinctive rustic, gray-blue mold rind and creamy, ivory-colored paste. Often referred to as "pell florida" (flowery rind) in Catalonia, this cheese was near extinction until revived by local producers in the 1980s.  Description and Characteristics * Appearance: Features a thick, suede-like, grayish-blue rind, which is a result of mold developing during the aging process. The interior is a brilliant, ivory-white. * Texture: Starts firm and slightly flaky but becomes smooth and creamy on the palate. * Flavor Profile: Mild, nutty, and slightly tangy, with delicate herbal and earthy nuances. It is not overly "goaty" and often described as having a long, smooth finish. * Aging: Typically matured for 4 to 8 weeks (sometimes up to 75 days) in humid, natural caves, which helps neutralize the acidity and enhances its sweet, mellow flavor. * Milk: Made from the pasteurized milk of Murciana goats.  Usage and Pairing * Pairing: Pairs well with Marcona almonds, quince paste (membrillo), walnuts, and dried fruits. * Wine: Excellent with crisp white wines like Albariño, dry sherry, Cava, or light red wines like Tempranillo. * Serving: Ideal for cheese boards, crumbled on salads, or served with crusty bread.  Producer Background The cheese is produced by Formatgeria Sant Gil d'Albió, run by Josep Martí in the Catalonia region. The dairy, which began revitalizing this traditional cheese in the 1980s, is known for consistent, high-quality, and authentic Garrotxa.