Aged for at least 5 months on spruce wood boards, this pecorino offers a delicate yet rich flavour. Its dark rind is brushed with olive oil, and its texture is dense and crumbly.
DESCRIPTION
Description: Patiently matured for over five months on natural spruce boards, this classic Pecorino Stagionato reveals a balanced, elegant flavour that deepens with time. The rind, gently treated with olive oil, protects a dense, crumbly core where sweetness and savoury notes meet in perfect harmony.
How to use: This mature Pecorino reveals a deep, nutty character that pairs beautifully with full-bodied red wines or a drizzle of chestnut honey. Pecorino Stagionato also shines alongside aged Prosciutto Crudo or figs for an indulgent antipasto. To fully appreciate its flavours and aromas, it’s best to let the Pecorino come to room temperature before enjoying it.
Size: 0.6 kg
How to preserve: the product is sold under vacuum. If it isn’t possible to put it under vacuum again, it is advisable to keep it where temperature is around 15-18 degrees (if not possible, the next best location is the part of the fridge that is least cold), with low humidity and using a wrap that allows air to flow (no plastic film roll, a cotton cloth is better). In any case, it is important to always check the appearance and smell of the product before consuming it, in order to ensure its healthiness.
Note: as this is an artisanal product, the reported weight of the item serves as an indication; the actual weight of the product may vary slightly from the reported figure. Moreover, if you wish to purchase the whole cheese wheel, please select “2” in the quantity box above.
Rooted in the hills of Pienza, Caseificio Cugusi remains faithful to the time-honoured methods of Tuscan cheesemaking. Every step from milking their own sheep to natural maturation is guided by care and respect for tradition. Their Pecorini, including the award-winning Gran Riserva, stand among the finest expressions of Italy’s artisanal heritage.
Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato – The Essence of Tuscan Tradition
Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato is a refined expression of the art of Tuscan cheesemaking. Crafted from pure sheep’s milk and matured for over five months on natural spruce boards, this cheese embodies the perfect balance between nature, tradition, and patient craftsmanship. Each wheel slowly develops its character under the watchful care of the affineurs at Caseificio Cugusi, nestled among the hills between Montepulciano and Pienza a landscape that has inspired artisans for centuries. The result is a Pecorino with an elegant, harmonious flavour: the sweetness of the milk meets a gentle savouriness that deepens with time, revealing nutty undertones and a persistent aroma. Its rind, lightly massaged with olive oil during ageing, protects a dense, crumbly heart that captures the very soul of the Val d’Orcia. This Pecorino Stagionato tells a story of land and dedication a product of passion, patience, and the natural rhythm of the Tuscan countryside.
What Makes Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato Unique
What sets Pecorino Stagionato apart is its remarkable balance between intensity and refinement. Unlike younger pecorini, this cheese undergoes a longer maturation process no less than five months which allows the moisture to gently recede while the flavours concentrate. The texture becomes firm yet crumbly, revealing delicate crystals that speak to the quality of the milk and the skill of the cheesemaker. During ageing, each wheel rests on untreated spruce boards that naturally regulate humidity and encourage the formation of a rich, complex rind. The careful brushing and occasional oiling with olive oil prevent the cheese from drying excessively while allowing it to breathe and mature evenly. The result is a cheese with a deep straw-yellow paste, fragrant with hints of hay, nuts, and the rustic aromas of the Tuscan countryside. This artisanal method has been handed down through generations of the Cugusi family, who continue to combine traditional techniques with an unwavering commitment to quality. The milk comes exclusively from flocks that graze freely in the pastures surrounding Pienza meadows rich in wild herbs and flowers that lend the cheese its distinctive, aromatic profile.
How to Enjoy Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato
Pecorino Stagionato is a cheese that invites slow enjoyment. Its mature, nutty character and well-rounded savouriness make it a perfect companion to a wide range of pairings. For a classic Tuscan experience, enjoy it with a drizzle of chestnut or acacia honey the sweetness contrasts beautifully with the cheese’s depth, enhancing its creamy, aromatic finish. It also pairs wonderfully with full-bodied red wines such as Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or Chianti Classico, whose structure and tannins complement the cheese’s intensity. On a cheeseboard, Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato shines next to aged Prosciutto Crudo, figs, or walnuts, creating an indulgent combination that evokes the warmth and generosity of Tuscan hospitality. In the kitchen, this Pecorino adds a sophisticated touch to many recipes. Grated over fresh pasta, risotto, or soups, it imparts a robust yet elegant flavour. Thin slices can also be enjoyed over seasonal salads or warm vegetable dishes, where its complex aroma can fully express itself. To fully appreciate its flavours and aromas, it’s best to let the Pecorino come to room temperature before enjoying it.
How to Preserve Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato
To maintain its authenticity and quality, Pecorino Stagionato is sold vacuum-sealed, preserving its freshness and preventing unwanted moulds. Once opened, it should be stored in a cool, dry place ideally between 10°C and 14°C wrapped in breathable material such as waxed paper or a cotton cloth. This allows the cheese to “breathe” naturally, preserving its aroma and texture. If refrigeration is necessary, keep it in the least cold section of the fridge, away from foods with strong odours. Before serving, remove the cheese from the refrigerator and let it rest for about 30 minutes to allow its natural oils and aromas to awaken. Proper care ensures that every bite retains the full expression of its Tuscan character.
A Symbol of Authentic Tuscan Heritage
Pecorino Stagionato is more than a cheese — it is a cultural expression, a reflection of the landscape and people who shape it. Each wheel tells the story of the Val d’Orcia: its sunlit hills, its ancient pastures, and the timeless bond between shepherds and land. The Cugusi family’s dedication to preserving these traditions has made their Pecorino one of Tuscany’s most respected and beloved cheeses. Rich in history, depth, and authenticity, Pecorino di Pienza Stagionato embodies the true taste of Tuscany — an artisanal treasure that brings centuries of craftsmanship to your table.
