Manchego Cheese 8 Months

Manchego is Spain's best-known sheep's milk cheese. It is named for the province where it is made-La Mancha, home of Don Quixote. However, it is not as flamboyant as the old windmill fighter.

It remains relatively sweet and mild at any age with a touch of salty nuts. Manchego was originally made to barter at livestock markets and it provided durable food for the shepherds who accompanied their flocks on their long annual migrations in search of good pasture.

During the ripening period the surface becomes covered with a greenish-black mold. Some cheeses have this rubbed off before they are sold. The deep ivory paste is firm, compact, and perforated with tiny holes. It has an aromatic smell with a hint of butterscotch. This effect is strengthened on the palate together with some nutty tones. The taste of this 8 months old gourmet cheese is getting strong and full-bodied with a tangy farmhouse flavor. The cheese also becomes dryer and crumblier.

We cut and wrap this cheese in wedges of 8 ounces and 1 pound and you can purchase an entire wheel of 6.6 pounds.