U Pecurinu is the generic name for all sheep’s milk cheeses hailing from the French island of Corsica in the Mediterranean.

The ewes are able to graze on native wild herbs, which lends an herbaceous flavor to the cheese. Some versions of U Pecurinu have a pungent, meaty aroma thanks to multiple washings in a brine solution and a smooth, tender texture with a little snap. Others are covered in a mixture of herbs, giving these versions a more herbaceous flavor.

Cheeses are available in a wide range of ages, from 2 to 16 weeks, which allows the older versions to use raw milk, while the younger are pasteurized.

Pair this cheese with a bright, fruity red wine. It is traditionally served with fig jam, which gives a rich flavor to compliment the texture and flavor of the cheese.