L’Exception du Maquis

Exception du Maquis is a signature Corsican cheese from Fromagerie Don Simoni, renowned for its commitment to preserving the traditional flavours of the island. Located in the heart of Haute-Corse, Don Simoni is a family-owned fromagerie that has built its reputation on respecting ancestral know-how while supporting small-scale shepherds. Their cheeses reflect the rugged landscape, pastoral heritage, and aromatic richness of Corsica’s terroir.

This cheese is made from sheep’s milk and aged with a coating of aromatic herbs from the Corsican maquis—rosemary, thyme, and other wild plants native to the region. The herb-covered rind gives the cheese a striking appearance and infuses it with a distinctive scent of the Corsican countryside. Inside, the paste is supple and creamy, with a balanced flavour that blends lactic sweetness, subtle tang, and an herbaceous depth. As it matures, the texture becomes denser and the aroma more pronounced.

Pair with Patrimoniu AOP, Domaine Montemagni, Menhir Blanc. This white wine’s freshness and mineral structure beautifully contrast the herbal intensity of the cheese while highlighting its delicate milky notes.

A great idea for preparing this cheese in a dish would be to follow this recipe