Idiazabal

Product Description

One of the great name-controlled A.O.C. cheeses of Spain. Made from the precious milk of Lacha and Carranzana sheep indigenous to the gastronomically perfect Basque region. Idiazabal wheels are constantly turned over during the aging process and brushed regularly with oil. Traditional Idiazabal producers hung their wheels in wood chimneys to dry, impregnating the cheese with a smoky flavor. Luckily for us this custom has been maintained. Before they are available for export, each wheel is lightly smoked over beech and hawthorn wood, also giving the rind a burnt orange color.

The flavor is ever so pleasantly smokey and balsamy finishing with a firm, nutty, richness. The texture is dense, and semi-firm to hard. Ideal paired with soppressatta, saucison, raw vegetables and fresh fruit.