Ossau-Iraty (AOC)

Ossau-Iraty comes from the Basque country in the South of France. It has a orange-yellow to brown-grey rind and a yellow paste dotted with small holes. This cheese is made with the milk of Manech ewes.

There are three main sizes: small (Petit-Ossau-Iraty-Brebis Pyrenes), intermediate (non-fermier), large (fermier). Affinage takes at least 90 days, 60 days for the small version. The temperature of the cellar must be below 12 C.

This cheese unites two regions of France in the Western Pyrénées: Ossau in the valley of the Bearn and Iraty in the beech forests of the Pays Basque.

Cheeseboard, with marmelade. The young cheese is eaten as a table cheese while the older, drier cheese is used for grating.

White wine: Jurançon (Sud Ouest). Sauterne (sweet wine)

Red wine: Madiran (Sud Ouest), Menetou-Salon (Val de Loire, Centre)

Region:

Aquitaine

Ewe's Milk

Wheel of 2-7kg

Size: varies

 

Taste: Delicate to mellow, depending on age.

Texture: Supple