1605 Manchego

There are less than ten cheesemakers left in Spain making farmstead PDO Manchego artesano with a natural rind like this one brought to us by Essex St. Cheese. Cheesemaker Maria José Gonzalez works with the milk of  Manchega breed sheep, all born on Finca Sierra de la Solana farm founded in La Mancha, Spain in 1878.  Their lambs are born in the spring and fall to the quiet playing of Mariachi music, and they feed on a mix of native grains grown on the farm. Named for the year Don Quixote was published, 1605 Manchego is made in the same traditions as the cheese eaten by the title character over 400 years ago.  Country/Region: La Mancha, Spain  Style: Manchego  Milk Type: Raw Sheep's Milk   Age: 6-8 months  Rennet: Animal  Texture: Hard Pairing: Enjoy with our BKLYN Larder Roasted Almonds, or perhaps drizzle with Merulo Olive Oil and enjoy with Divina Sour Cherry Jam.