Rosemary Villarejo Curado
Origin: Spain
Region: La Mancha
Made by: Quesos Villarejo
Type: Hard
Milk: Sheep
Milk Treatment: Raw
Coagulant: Traditional Rennet
A Manchego in all but name, it is just the coating of fresh local rosemary that prevents this cheese from being D.O.P. designated.
Characteristics: The earthy piney taste of the rosemary seeps through this 10-month aged cheese and it provides an excellent if subtle point of contrast with the clean taste of the La Mancha sheep’s milk.
Best with: This is an such a good cheese to enliven a cheese board, and it will pair beautifully with sherry, green olives and a slice or two of cured ham; or try it with a Tempranillo wine, some almonds and a little quince.