Andy Montoya
Ossau-Iraty is a nutty, fruity, and slightly floral sheep's milk cheese from the French Pyrénées. It is one of the first cheeses ever made, with a history that predates the English alphabet. This creamy, firm, award-winning cheese is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. So, what are some of the best ways to serve and eat Ossau-Iraty cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | nutty, fruity, briny olive, buttery, floral |
| Texture | firm, creamy, smooth |
| Colour | yellow-orange to gray crust, white to cream body |
| Beverage Pairing | big red wines like Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blancs, Madirans, Merlots, cider |
| Food Pairing | cherry jam, spicy Marcona almonds, grilled cheese sandwich, arugula salad, soups, stews, French saucisson, Roquefort, crackers, crusty bread |
| Origin | French Pyrénées, Béarn, Basque Country |
| Milk Type | sheep's milk |
| Awards | Best Cheese in the World at the World Cheese Awards in 2006 and 2011 |
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What You'll Learn
Ossau Iraty cheese and wine
Ossau-Iraty is a nutty and fruity sheep's milk cheese with a hint of briny olive. It has a creamy texture and a rich history, with a production technique that dates back some 3,000 years. The name "Ossau-Iraty" refers to two things: the geographical location where the cheese is made, and the regional style of sheep's milk cheeses made in the Basque country part of the Pyrenees mountains.
When it comes to wine pairings, Ossau-Iraty's versatility shines through. It can stand up to bold red wines, such as a Bordeaux, but also pairs well with Sauvignon Blancs, Madirans, or Merlots. If you're looking for a more unique combination, try Ossau-Iraty with a glass of cider.
For a hearty snack, enjoy this cheese with a bowl of spicy Marcona almonds and a bold red wine. Ossau-Iraty is also delicious shaved over an arugula salad or melted on top of soups and stews. Its creamy texture makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches.
When serving Ossau-Iraty on a cheese plate, consider adding some cherry jam on the side. This cheese also pairs well with French saucisson and crusty bread.
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Ossau Iraty cheese on a cheese plate
Ossau-Iraty is a beloved gem of a cheese with a rich history, believed to be one of the first cheeses ever made. It is a classic, nutty sheep's milk cheese from the French Pyrénées, with a firm yet creamy texture. Its name reflects its geographical location, the Ossau Valley in Béarn and the Irati Forest in the Basque Country.
When planning a cheese plate, it is important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses on offer. Ossau-Iraty has a unique, fruity and slightly floral flavour, with a smooth, creamy and firm texture. It is a versatile cheese that can stand up to bold red wines, such as Bordeaux, Madiran or Merlot, and is also delicious on its own. Its creamy texture means it melts in the mouth and is perfect for a cheese plate.
To complement the nutty, fruity flavours of Ossau-Iraty, consider pairing it with some Murray's Spicy Marcona Almonds and cherry jam on the side. The cheese also goes well with arugula salad, soups and stews, and makes a great grilled cheese sandwich.
When creating your cheese plate, you could also include other sheep's milk cheeses, such as Mahón, or other French Basque cheeses like Tomme Brûlée, Abbaye de Belloc, and P'tit Basque. Ossau-Iraty pairs well with many wines, especially the aforementioned reds, but also Sauvignon Blanc and cider.
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Ossau Iraty cheese and cherry jam
Ossau-Iraty is a nutty, fruity, and creamy sheep's milk cheese with a hint of briny olive. It is made in the Pyrenees mountains in the Basque country of France. The name refers to two things: the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, a famous mountain peak, and the Iraty beech forest, both located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques district of France.
Ossau-Iraty is a versatile cheese that pairs well with fruit, specifically cherry jam, and black cherry jam local to the region. It can also be paired with bold red wines like Bordeaux, port, or a hoppy beer.
Cherry jam and Ossau-Iraty cheese is a delightful combination that brings out the best in both. The sweetness of the jam complements the nutty, fruity, and creamy flavours of the cheese, while the cheese's richness balances the tartness of the cherries.
When creating a cheese board with Ossau-Iraty and cherry jam, consider adding some fresh fruit, crackers, and nuts to round out the flavours and textures. You could also offer a selection of wines, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Madiran, or Merlot, to enhance the experience.
For a more indulgent treat, try grilling Ossau-Iraty cheese and cherry jam sandwiches. The warmth of the grilled cheese enhances the creaminess of the Ossau-Iraty, while the jam adds a delightful sweetness to every bite.
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Ossau Iraty cheese and French saucisson
Ossau-Iraty is a semi-soft sheep's milk cheese from the French Pyrénées. It is believed to be one of the first cheeses ever made. Its flavour is rich and nutty with a hint of fruitiness and a creamy texture. It is named after the Ossau Valley and the Iraty Forest in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques district of France.
When considering what to serve with Ossau-Iraty cheese, one must consider its unique flavour profile. The cheese's nutty, fruity, and creamy characteristics make it a perfect match for a variety of foods and beverages. Here are some suggestions for what to serve with Ossau-Iraty cheese:
Wines
Ossau-Iraty's nutty and fruity notes are beautifully complemented by wines such as Sauvignon Blancs, Madirans, and Merlots. The cheese's versatility allows it to stand up to bolder red wines like Bordeaux.
Foods
The cheese pairs well with foods that enhance its nutty flavour. Spicy Marcona almonds, for example, provide a hearty crunch and a touch of spice that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese. Cherry jam, with its bright, tart, and sweet flavour, is another excellent pairing option, especially when served with whole bread. Ossau-Iraty can also be shaved into an arugula salad or melted into a grilled cheese sandwich. For a more indulgent treat, try shaving this cheese over soups and stews.
French Saucisson
French Saucisson is a type of dry-cured sausage that can be made from various meats, including pork, beef, or duck. It is a common feature of charcuterie boards and pairs well with cheeses like Ossau-Iraty. The salty, savoury flavours of the Saucisson complement the creaminess of the cheese, creating a delicious contrast. The sausage's texture also adds a satisfying bite to the overall tasting experience.
When creating a charcuterie board with Ossau-Iraty and French Saucisson, consider adding other complementary elements such as crackers, breads, mustards, cornichons, or pickled onions. These additional items provide textural variety and flavour contrasts that will enhance the tasting experience.
In conclusion, when considering what to serve with Ossau-Iraty cheese and French Saucisson, aim for pairings that complement the cheese's nutty, fruity, and creamy characteristics. Experiment with different wines, foods, and charcuterie elements to create a well-rounded and delectable tasting experience.
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Ossau Iraty cheese and Bordeaux
Ossau-Iraty is a nutty, fruity, and slightly floral sheep's milk cheese from the French Pyrénées. It is named after the Ossau Valley in Béarn and the Irati Forest in the Basque Country, where it is produced. This cheese is said to be one of the first ever made, with a history that predates the English alphabet. Ossau-Iraty is made with milk from three breeds of sheep: black-faced Manech, red-faced Manech, and Basco-Béarnaise. It has a smooth, creamy, and firm texture, with a yellow-orange to grey crust and a white to cream body.
When it comes to pairing Ossau-Iraty with Bordeaux, the cheese's versatility truly shines through. Bordeaux is a bold red wine that complements the rich, nutty flavours of the cheese. Together, they create a harmonious combination that enhances the tasting experience. The full-bodied nature of Bordeaux stands up to the strong personality of Ossau-Iraty, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent pairing.
For a complete sensory journey, it is recommended to accompany the cheese and wine with a bowl of Murray's Spicy Marcona Almonds. The crunch and spiciness of the almonds provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the cheese, adding a layer of complexity to the pairing. This trio of flavours—the bold Bordeaux, the nutty cheese, and the spicy almonds—create a sophisticated and indulgent tasting experience.
In addition to Bordeaux, Ossau-Iraty also pairs well with other wines such as Sauvignon Blancs, Madirans, and Merlots. The cheese's versatility allows it to stand up to a variety of red wines, making it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts. Its creamy texture and fruity notes make it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, shaved atop salads, or melted into soups and stews.
When serving Ossau-Iraty, it is important to consider the weight and freshness of the cheese. Cheese specialists hand-cut the desired amount, ensuring the perfect wedge for your cheese plate. To maintain freshness during transit, the cheese is wrapped in special cheese paper and sealed, preserving its delicate flavour and texture. Ossau-Iraty is a cheese that invites exploration, whether enjoyed with Bordeaux, other wine pairings, or simply savoured on its own.
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Frequently asked questions
Ossau-Iraty is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many wines, especially Sauvignon Blancs, Madirans, Merlots, and big red wines like Bordeaux. It also goes well with cider.
Ossau-Iraty can be enjoyed on its own or served on a cheese plate with cherry jam or fresh fruit. It can also be shaved into an arugula salad or melted on top of soups and stews. For a hearty snack, try pairing it with a bowl of spicy Marcona almonds.
Ossau-Iraty is often recommended alongside Mahón, and the two are frequently enjoyed together on cheese plates. Other similar cheeses that can be served with Ossau-Iraty include Tomme Brûlée, Abbaye de Belloc, and P'tit Basque.
