Israel Romero / Monday, May 22, 2023 / Categories: Blog El Manchego, our most universal cheese. The most universal cheese Manchego has standing and notoriety backed for centuries. It is a cheese protected by a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), made with milk from Manchega sheep. Manchego cheese is associated with Miguel de Cervantes and his Don Quixote. In the novel, the protagonists enjoy Manchego cheese among windmills and the fields of La Mancha. From the 20th century onwards, farms in the area focused on cheese production. Taking advantage of the industry, they implemented cheese-making techniques using Manchega-breed sheep, which gave Manchego cheese renowned worldwide recognition. [caption id="attachment_25696" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Manchego, our most universal cheese[/caption] La Mancha The Arabs named this region Manxa, “land of esparto, dry,” which perfectly describes the dry and harsh climate of this area protected by the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) that covers the provinces of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca and Toledo. They have distinctive vegetation, able to withstand the scorching heat in summer and the severe frosts in winter. [caption id="attachment_25697" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Manchego, our most universal cheese[/caption] The Manchega sheep The Manchega sheep is unique because its breed has been improved without allowing it to mix with others. It has not undergone changes over the centuries, as the purity of its breed has been preserved to the present day. Therefore, Manchego is a unique cheese in the world. 7 Ways to distinguish a Manchego cheese from one that isn't “Queso Manchego” on the label. The commercial label must include the term “Queso.” If raw milk is used, it must also include the word “artisanal.” Numbered back label. It is affixed to the commercial label. It includes the PDO logo and a series of numbers used to identify the cheese. New casein plate. It is embedded in the rind on the side opposite the commercial label with the wording «P.D.O. QUESO MANCHEGO», a series of five digits and two or three letters. European logo. This mark guarantees that the unique characteristics of Manchego Cheese are respected, the link to its region, and a know-how that is synonymous with quality. Made from milk of Manchega-breed sheep and matured. It is a pressed-paste cheese made with milk from the Manchega sheep breed. Maximum maturation may not exceed two years. Exterior appearance. Hard rind, with a pale yellow or greenish-black color. It is characterized by a firm, compact paste of variable color, from white to ivory-yellowish. On the palate, its slightly acidic, strong and savory flavor becomes piquant in very aged cheeses. It leaves a pleasant and distinctive residual taste conferred by Manchega sheep milk. With a buttery and slightly mealy mouthfeel, it can be granular in very mature specimens. [caption id="attachment_25698" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Manchego, our most universal cheese[/caption] Your favorites Manchego Sheep Cheese Selection — 4 months, Quesería 1605 Reserva red wine, Remírez de Ganuza Manchego Sheep Cheese Selection — 7 months, Quesería 1605 Sierra Cantabria XF, rosé wine Gourmet preserves: a pleasure for any occasion. ISBILYA, a gourmet Made-in-Spain extra virgin olive oil Print 2 Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.