Black Cheese 850 g. Vallelongo

Vallelongo Black Cow Cheese

The "Black Cheese" from Vallelongo is a cow's milk cheese that stands out for its attractive black rind and intense flavour, yet with a creamy texture. It is made in the Bierzo region, maintaining an artisanal quality.

Main Characteristics

• Type of Cheese:Matured Cow Cheese (Semi-soft to Semi-cured, generally with a maturation of about 60 days).

• Milk Origin:Milk fromCows pasteurised.

• Colour/Rind:The most distinctive feature is itsblack rind. This colouring is achieved by applying an outer layer, which is usually an edible mixture of charcoal, waxes, or paprika, which not only gives it its name but also helps in the preservation and maturation of the cheese.

• Weight:Whole piece (or half piece) of approximately850 grams(the weight may vary slightly between 800 and 900 g).

• Production:Cold matured and made with 100% natural milk, without colostrum or preservatives.

Tasting Notes and Flavour

1. Aroma:It has a mild but characteristic aroma of matured cheese. It is clean and milky, without being excessively strong.

2. Texture:It is a pastewhite, slightly yellowish, and very creamy. Despite its maturation, it is not a hard cheese, which makes it very pleasant to cut and in the mouth.

3. Flavour:The flavour isintenseand pronounced, but balanced and pleasant, which sets it apart from very mature cheeses. It offers dairy, salty notes and a slight hint reminiscent of butter or matured cream.

Consumption Suggestions

Given its intense flavour and creamy texture, it is a very versatile cheese:

• Appetiser/Tapa:Excellent when cut into wedges or cubes, served at room temperature to enhance its creaminess.

• Classic Pairing:It pairs perfectly with young red wines or lightly aged wines from the Bierzo region. It also pairs very well with craft beers such asPale AleorLagerwith body.

• Accompaniment:It can be accompanied by cereal bread, tomato or pepper jams, or a little extra virgin olive oil.

In summary, theQueso Negro Vallelongois a delight from the cheese factory in Bierzo. It is a cow's milk cheese with an eye-catching presentation and an intense yet very balanced flavour due to its creamy paste.