Manchego

Manchego (Spanish Manchego) is the most famous Spanish cheese, made exclusively from the milk of Manchega-breed sheep in the historic region of La Mancha (the very one through which Don Quixote wandered). It holds protected-origin (DOP) status.

Manchego is a hard or semi-hard cheese, aged from a few weeks to two years. Young manchego is softer and creamier, while the aged one is dense, crumbly, with a rich, sharp-nutty, and slightly piquant taste. One of its recognisable features is the characteristic zigzag (“herringbone”) pattern on the rind, left by the traditional moulds of esparto grass. Manchego is served cut into thin slices as a tapas — often with olives, quince jam (membrillo), and a glass of Spanish wine. This noble, distinctive cheese is a true gastronomic symbol of Spain.