KM 39

The region of Galicia is located in remote northwest Spain bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and west, Spain’s Asturias and Castilla y León regions to the east, and Portugal to the south. It is in Galicia where this month’s cheese maker is located – at KM 39 (kilometer 39) along the famed Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral where it is believed the apostle James is buried.

Galicia is also renowned for having its own language (Galician), a Celtic-influenced culture, rainy weather, wine, and youthful cow’s milk cheeses like Requesón (Ricotta), San Simón, and Tetilla. However, this month’s cheese is a rarity, a long-aged alpine cheese that may visually remind you of parmesan but is so much more.

Its uniqueness is not only its aging – 18 months – but also its distinctive terroir and ancient cheesemaking process using local molds as the base for its proprietary cultures. The pasteurized milk comes from native Galician cows, Rubia Gallega, that graze on the lush grasses that grow as a result of the plentiful rainfall.

KM 39 is golden in color with a grainy texture and crunchy protein crystals. Aromas and flavors of caramel, tangy tropical fruits like banana and pineapple, roasted nuts, and toasted bread come together to create an incomparable flavor experience and lingering finish that will have you wanting more.

Because it is so complex and flavorful, KM 39 is wonderful on its own, but we also recommend trying it on a charcuterie board with jamón and chorizo Ibérico, Marcona almonds, and Manzanilla olives. It is also the perfect grating cheese atop pasta and salads. Pair KM 39 with fruit-forward Galician white and red wines – like Albariño, Godello, Garnacha, and Mencía – as well as Belgian-style pale ales with caramel and toasted malt flavors.