Spanish Cheeses

The climate of Spain is not suitable for raising cows, so most Spanish cheese is made from goat or sheep's milk. Once considered unsophisticated, one of Spain's most popular exports — Manchego, a sheep's-milk cheese — is now quite chic at tapas bars!

Spain's cheese labeling system mirrors the one used in Italy. Known as Quesos con Denominacion de Origen (DO), it helps the international community recognize Spanish cheeses.

Popular Spanish cheeses

Idiazábal (DO) — Made in Spain's Basque region, Idiazábal is the most popular cheese in the area. This smoky sheep's-milk cheese has crumbly, paste-like texture and is covered with a hard, inedible rind. With its sweet aroma, this cheese pairs beautifully with a quince jam.

Manchego (DO) — This sheep's milk cheese has a zesty flavor with a firm, dry texture and inedible rind. Artisans craft the cheese in a traditional mould that creates a zigzag pattern on the side, giving it a distinctive rind that only comes from Manchego. The cheese is then aged for 60 days to create a rich, signature flavor. Eat Manchego with olives and spiced almonds for a light meal that resembles one of Spain's most popular tapas combinations.

Mahon (DO) — Although most Spanish cheeses come from goat or sheep's milk, Mohon is a cow's-milk cheese. It comes from the port city of Mahon in Menorca. Artisans age the cheese for a month, then coat it with butter, olive oil, and paprika before they age it further (from two months to a year) in underground caves. The finished cheese is an ivory to bright yellow color, with beige edges and a salty, acidic taste.

Iberico — This cheese is made from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep's milk, giving it a deep ivory color and a tangy taste with earthy, herbaceous flavors. An inedible black rind covers this firm cheese, enjoyed by most Spaniards with Jamon Serrano or Chorizo.

Spanish cheese serving pointers

Spaniards eat cheese as part of a tapas, which means "small plates" or "hors d'oeuvres." In addition to cheese, a tapas can include olives, spiced nuts, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Try pairing a Spanish cheese with Serrano ham and different Spanish wines or sherries. Or, mix and match tapas to create a fresh alternative to a traditional wine-and-cheese party.