What is Tunceli Şavak Tulumu?
A tulum cheese from the Şavak nomadic community of Tunceli, aged in traditional goat-skin vessels at altitudes above 2000 metres on the Munzur mountains. Made from the milk of sheep grazing the plant-rich Munzur mountain pastures. High-altitude vessel ageing creates a concentrated, buttery paste with subtle floral notes from Munzur wildflowers.
Taste, aroma, and texture
Paste-like and dense. Packed tightly into skins with no air pockets, melting smoothly on the palate. No true rind. Pale ivory to straw-yellow. The skin vessel leaves a slightly irregular exterior.
Earthy and herbal notes are equally dominant; rich and buttery, with subtle floral notes from high-altitude Munzur wildflowers. Animal notes are strongly present. Lactic and fruity notes are present. No smoky character.
Cheesepedia taste profile
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A general profile can describe Tunceli Şavak Tulumu, but it cannot know how closely the cheese fits your preferences. Cheesepedia Premium compares this profile with your personal taste profile and lets you evaluate cheeses side by side.
See your personal matchHow to enjoy it
- Served in small pieces on strong cheese plates.
- Crumbled over flatbreads, potatoes, or salads.
- Used in savoury pastries, meze plates, or rustic fillings.
What pairs with Tunceli Şavak Tulumu?
Classic serving companions from the Cheesepedia catalog.
- Salted Cracker
- Mini Sesame Bagel
- Butter Cracker
- Lavash Chips
- Whole Wheat Cracker
Find the right wine in Cheesepedia
Cheesepedia uses an expert-designed algorithm that compares the cheese's taste, intensity, and production profile with the wine's body, acidity, tannin, and sweetness. Wine pairings are not generated by AI.
See wine pairings for Tunceli Şavak TulumuStory and origin
Produced by the Şavak nomads of Tunceli for centuries using milk from animals grazing on the Munzur mountains. High-altitude, vessel-based ageing creates the conditions associated with this cheese. Registered as a geographical indication in Turkey.
Storage and serving
- Store in the fridge, wrapped or vacuum-packed.
- Air travel: suitable, especially if vacuum-packed.
Profile sources and methodology
This page uses the same curated record as the Cheesepedia mobile app. Production-style and designation references provide context; they do not imply endorsement of Cheesepedia.
