Keyword density penalty question

So we all know optimal keyword density is lower these days than it used to be.

However i have a scenario I'd like clarification on.

Say you've got a 2000 word article about "mature cheddar". That's a type of cheese.

Now your keyword density for the term "mature cheddar" is way over at 10%. Google sees this and makes you pay so you don't rank for the term "mature cheddar".

However what if your keyword density for a long tail of this is sensible at 1-2%. For example "mature cheddar from Italy".

Will that long tail variant rank? Or is the whole page and all its keywords punished?

Thoughts?

Keyword stuffing is not good with Google becoming everyday. So avoid it. U can use long tail keywords but that too comes with its density limits.

Varies from KW to KW. It would depend how related Google sees the two KW variations. The best way to see what they think are synonyms is to check what they have bolded in the SERP. If both are bolded then they are basically looking at them as variations of the same KW. Honestly though for density I check whats ranking and shoot for an average of what is on the first page already (using the variations). I think it works better than shooting for a generic % since it varies by niche and even KW.