Sheep breeding is popular in Spain among European countries. Spanish origin sheep such as Merino, Lacha, Manchega do not boast its productivity against other European sheep, but quality of its milk is highly appraised and reputed as the best milk for cheese production because of its rich fat and protein. Its high quality is well reputed in outside Spain. Many of cheeses are produced as nutritious and long preservative food.
Spec etc.
The most famous cheese among Spanish cheeses. Made from Manchega sheep milk. It has nuts like flavor and sweetness and richness of milk. A net like appearance of outer skin is identical.
| Milk | Sheep Milk |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard |
| Weight | 1) Approx..3kg(undetermined) (Approx.3month/Approx.12month cured) 2) Approx..1kg(undetermined)(Approx.3month cured) |
| Quantity | 1) 2pc/case 2) 4pc/case |
| Recommended wine | Red wine, Dry sherry |
| Recommended accompaniment | Good with olive and Membrillo. |
Features
It is the most known Spanish cheese in the world. It is appeared in Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote". The origin of Queso Manchego is at BC era and is made from "Manchega" sheep cheese at Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Toledo in central Castilla-La Mancha. Manchega sheep settled at La Mancha after moved around several regions in Spain over Pyrenees and adopt to the environment while protecting its truebreed.
As "La Mancha" is originated from Arabic word "Land with no water", this region is dry and very hard to live for normal animals and plants. However, gramineae and fabaceae plants which adopt such environment are good feedstuff for Manchega sheep to get high quality milk.
Spec etc.
A vigorous cheese. Balance of steady taste and modest smoke is impressive.
| Milk | Sheep Milk |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard (Smork) |
| Weight | Approx. 1kg(undetermined) |
| Quantity | 6pc/case |
| Recommended wine | Sidra (Apple sparkling liquor), Sparkling white wine |
| Recommended accompaniment | Thin sliced or grated one good with vegetable cuisine. |
Features
Isiazabal is made from Lacha small sheep milk. Volume of milk obtained from Lacha is very limited and is milked mainly during March to July. Though the volume is less, the quality is very highly reputed. This rare cheese had been available for only limited period at local cheese market at the beginning.
However because of its high reputation, its resulted distribution of imitation products. The cheese is certified as D.O.P. products in order to eliminate distribution of imitation. Idiazabal imported by Kyodo International is smoked by fagaceae.
