A firm sheep cheese from La Mancha with a woven herringbone rind. It is made only from Manchega sheep milk, and the rind pattern comes from the esparto-grass moulds that were once used to press it.
It is a PDO from one sheep breed in one region, pressed and ripened for months in a controlled cellar — a dairy operation.
What goes into it
- milk from Manchega sheep only
- rennet
- a starter culture
- salt
How it is made
The milk is set with rennet, the curd cut small and pressed hard into cylindrical moulds bearing the herringbone pattern, then brined. The wheels ripen in a cool cellar for between two months and two years, turned and cared for, developing a firm dry paste that goes from mild and nutty to sharp and crystalline.
How long it takes: 60 days minimum, and up to two years
How it is eaten
In wedges with quince paste and almonds, or with a glass of Tempranillo.
History
Made only from Manchega sheep milk in La Mancha; the herringbone rind comes from the esparto-grass moulds once used to press it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Manchego?
Manchego is a cheese & dairy from Spain: firm sheep cheese from La Mancha with a woven, herringbone rind. Made only from Manchega sheep milk in La Mancha; the herringbone rind comes from the esparto-grass moulds once used to press it.
How is Manchego made?
The milk is set with rennet, the curd cut small and pressed hard into cylindrical moulds bearing the herringbone pattern, then brined. The wheels ripen in a cool cellar for between two months and two years, turned and cared for, developing a firm dry paste that goes from mild and nutty to sharp and crystalline. It takes 60 days minimum, and up to two years.
Can I make Manchego at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a PDO from one sheep breed in one region, pressed and ripened for months in a controlled cellar — a dairy operation.
What goes into Manchego?
Milk from Manchega sheep only, rennet, a starter culture, salt.
How is Manchego eaten?
In wedges with quince paste and almonds, or with a glass of Tempranillo.
