Wine Pairing
San Simón (Spain)
San Simón da Costa is a traditional, Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Cow cheese from the Terra Chá region of Galicia in northwestern Spain.
It is most famous for its distinctive teardrop or bullet-like shape, smooth ochre rind, and deep birchwood-smoked aroma.
San Simón is exceptional for making gourmet macaroni and cheese, slicing onto burgers, or melting over poultry and casseroles. In Galicia, it is used melted over local scallops or steaks.
On the Cheese Board
Pair it with savory Spanish tapas like chorizo, Marcona almonds, and olives. It also complements sweet elements like green apples, honey, or traditional quince paste (membrillo).
Wine Pairing
San Simón da Costa pairs beautifully with wines that either complement its creamy buttery nature or balance its distinct birchwood smokiness.
Because it is a Galician cheese, pairing it with regional wines from northwestern Spain creates a natural, geographic harmony.
It pairs beautifully with local Galician white wines like a crisp Albariño, a light Mencía red, or a dry sparkling Brut Cava.
Excellent Wine Pairings
Mencía
Mencía (from Ribeira Sacra or Bierzo) is the ultimate local pairing. Mencía is an elegant, medium-bodied red wine with bright red fruit, hints of wild herbs, and an earthy minerality. It matches the intensity of the smoked cheese perfectly without overwhelming its creamy paste.
Godello or Albariño
If you prefer white wine, a crisp Albariño or a more full-bodied Godello provides excellent citrusy acidity. This acidity cuts right through the rich, buttery fat of the cow's milk, refreshing your palate between bites.
Treixadura
A barrel-aged white wine brings out the best in San Simón. The subtle oak and honeyed, nutty notes of an aged Treixadura blend seamlessly with the cheese’s sweet cream and warm wood aromatics.
Joven Tempranillo
A young, fruity Joven Tempranillo offers a light, juicy contrast to the cheese.
Oaked Pinot Noir
A top choice for a smoked cheese. The earth and smoke undertones in the wine mirror the hickory or oak smoke in the cheese, while cherry and berry notes provide a refreshing finish that cuts through the velvety tannins.
Shiraz/Syrah
This bold, ripe berry-forward wine often features its own tobacco and smoke notes, which brings the cheese's smoky profile to the forefront.
Oaked Chardonnay
The buttery and toasty notes from oak aging enhance the creamy texture and nutty profile of a smoked cheese.Sparkling Wines
Brut Cava
The effervescence of a crisp, dry sparkling Cava serves as an exceptional palate cleanser. The lively bubbles literally "scrub" the smoky, dense coating of the cheese off your tongue, making every bite taste like the first.
Prosecco
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco also cleanse the palate between bites of the cheese, making it a delightful pairing option.
Champagne
A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles enhances the flavors of smoked cheese and elevate the tasting experience.
Sparkling Rosé
The fresh red berry flavors add brightness that cuts through the smoke, while the bubbles provide a textural contrast to the cheese's creaminess.
Dessert Wines
Aged Port
Vintage Port, or a Tawny Port, can be a delightful pairing with San Simón.
The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.
Sherry Amontillado
Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of San Simón. Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.
Madeira
The rich and caramelized flavors of Madeira can complement the nutty and savory notes of smoked cheeses, making it a great pairing option.
Personal Preferences
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Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!
Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.
Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:
- Crusty Bread and Crackers
- Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
- Grapes and Berries
- Olives and Garlic
- Figs and Rasins
- Apple and Honey
- Sliced Pear
- Dark Chocolate
- Rosemary and Thyme
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615
If it Grows Together
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
France
Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.
Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.
French Sauternes with French Roquefort.
Italy
Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.
Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.
Spain
Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.
Alpine
Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.