This is Spain's most famous cheese, and gets its name from the Manchego sheep that are milked to produce it. It is a semi-firm cheese with a full, mellow flavor. Manchego is available in three varieties: fresh (fresco), 3-6 months old (curado), or matured for one year (viejo). Our fourteen month old cheese is a viejo, with the fullest, most piquant taste and pungency possible.

At any age, however, Manchego is a pleaser. When young or semi-cured, it is terrific in sandwiches and in the filling of croquettes. A more piquant aged Manchego like our 14 month reserve comes close in pungency to a fine Parmigiano Reggiano. We found the taste itself to be a cross between Parmesan and cheddar in sharpness.

Manchego is delicious by itself as a tapa with some crusty bread, or served on a platter. We recommend this cheese served with a glass of tempranillo, a dollop of membrillo, and our caramelized walnuts for an authentic Spanish gastronomic experience.