Cheeses is a category of Spanish cheeses divided into three subcategories according to the type of milk - sheep's milk, goat's milk and cow's milk. The range includes respected protected designations of origin (DOP) such as Manchego, Idiazábal, Mahón and Torta del Casar, supplemented by the regional specialities Ibores, Payoya and Murcia in Wine. The producers represented include La Casota, Quesería Cultivo, Artzai Gazta, Queso Campollano and others. The cheeses differ in ageing time, from mild semicurado to pronounced curado and añejo versions, and a number of them are additionally smoked or flavoured (black truffle, red wine).
How to find your way around this category
Sheep's milk cheeses include the best-known Spanish classic Manchego from the La Mancha region as well as Basque Idiazábal, often smoked. Goat's milk cheeses offer a more pronounced, slightly piquant flavour - typical examples are Ibores from Extremadura or Murcia in Wine with its purple rind. Cow's milk cheeses are represented above all by Mahón from the island of Menorca.
According to ageing time we distinguish semicurado (2-4 months, milder), curado (longer ageing, more pronounced) and añejo (the longest aged, the most intense flavour).
The best-known Spanish cheeses - an overview
Cheese
Type of milk
Origin
Characteristics
Manchego
Sheep's
La Mancha
The best-known Spanish cheese, nutty, various grades of ageing
You will always find the region and the exact ageing time in the description of the particular product.
Protected designation of origin (DOP)
A number of Spanish cheeses carry the DOP designation (Denominación de Origen Protegida), which guarantees the origin of the raw material and the traditional method of production in the given region - similarly to wine or ham. Among the best known are Manchego DOP, Idiazábal DOP and Mahón-Menorca DOP. The designation guarantees that the cheese comes from a particular region and is made according to established rules.
Torta del Casar is served with a spoon straight from the rind - once the top has been cut open, the creamy centre is scooped out like a spread.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best-known Spanish cheese?
The best known is Manchego - a sheep's milk cheese from the La Mancha region with a protected designation of origin, available in various grades of ageing from semicurado to añejo.
What is the difference between semicurado and curado?
Semicurado ages for a shorter time (usually 2-4 months) and has a milder flavour, while curado ages longer and has a more pronounced, more intense flavour.
What is Torta del Casar and how is it eaten?
It is a creamy sheep's milk cheese from Extremadura curdled with vegetable rennet. The top is cut open and the creamy centre is scooped out with a spoon like a spread, for example onto bread.
Which cheese should I choose if I want a more pronounced and more piquant flavour?
Goat's milk cheeses such as Ibores or Murcia in Wine typically have a more pronounced flavour, as do longer-aged sheep's milk cheeses in the curado or añejo version.
What does the DOP designation on a cheese mean?
DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) is a protected designation of origin, which guarantees that the cheese comes from a particular region and is made in the traditional way according to established rules.
The type of milk and the ageing time. Also: longer ageing means a more pronounced and more intense flavour.
What we base this on
On the Spanish system of protected designations of origin (DOP) and on information from the producers La Casota, Quesería Cultivo and Artzai Gazta. Also: we verify the specific region and ageing time on the individual products.
Where the limits are
This is a natural product, and the flavour and consistency may vary slightly from batch to batch. Also: you will find current information in the product detail.
What this category does not cover
Neither cured meats nor hams. Also: you will find those in the Hams and Sausages category.