Azeitão DOP by Fernando & Simões - Queijaria Artesanal is a traditional Portuguese cheese made almost exclusively from sheep’s milk, using natural vegetable rennet and a minimal amount of salt. Its texture is exceptionally creamy beneath the rind, while the core remains firmer yet still supple, allowing the cheese to become characteristically spreadable when left to soften at room temperature.
The aroma brings together intense milky notes, gentle spiciness and subtle herbal tones, while the flavor combines saltiness, buttery richness and delicate earthy nuances typical of cheeses from the Azeitão region. The maturation process takes place under controlled conditions, developing a soft rind and a layered complexity that makes this one of Portugal’s most esteemed sheep’s milk cheeses.
It is best served slightly softened, accompanied by crusty bread or simple sides, and pairs especially well with dry white wines from the Setúbal area or elegant reds from the Douro Valley.
Producer
Fernando & Simões - Queijaria Artesanal is a family-run cheesemaker from Quinta do Anjo in the Setúbal region, recognized for its traditional, handcrafted production of Queijo de Azeitão DOP. The cheese is made from raw or partially pasteurized sheep’s milk, using natural vegetable rennet that contributes to its characteristic creaminess and aromatic depth.
It is shaped in small molds and aged for at least ten days in humidity-controlled rooms, where it develops a soft rind and a rich, evolving aroma. During maturation, it acquires pronounced notes of sheep’s milk, herbal nuances and a gentle spiciness that becomes more evident toward the rind.
The texture is soft and almost spoonable near the surface, while the center remains firmer and more compact. Its flavor balances saltiness, milky richness and earthy tones, with a subtle herbal finish typical of this regional style.
The producer is known for strict adherence to traditional methods, resulting in consistent quality and an authentic sensory profile. Fernando & Simões regularly receives awards at international competitions, reinforcing the reputation of its Azeitão as one of Portugal’s most distinctive cheeses and an essential choice in gourmet selections focused on local identity and artisanal craftsmanship.
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