Ossau-Iraty is a traditional sheep’s milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country, produced exclusively with milk from local Manech and Basco-Béarnaise ewes. Made under the Ossau-Iraty AOC designation, it’s carefully aged to develop a firm yet yielding texture and a balanced, nuanced flavor. Expect notes of toasted nuts, sweet cream, and browned butter, with subtle grassy and lanolin undertones that reflect the character of the milk and the mountain pastures where the sheep graze.
This tomme-style Ossau-Iraty is versatile on the table and in the kitchen. It slices cleanly for cheeseboards, melts smoothly when gently heated, and pairs naturally with fruit, nuts, and cured meats. Its flavor deepens as it comes to room temperature, revealing additional savory complexity and a long, clean finish that makes it a favorite among both cheesemongers and chefs.
Maison Agour was founded in 1981 by Jean Etxeleku with a cooperative, locally focused vision, working directly with Basque shepherds to build a sustainable cheese producer rooted in regional traditions. Over the decades, Agour has become one of the most respected names in Basque cheesemaking, known for its commitment to milk quality, precise aging, and PDO Ossau-Iraty production, earning numerous international awards while remaining deeply connected to its community.
- Pairings: Basque cider, Rioja Blanco, lightly oaked Chardonnay, quince paste, roasted almonds.
Ingredients: sheep's milk,salt, rennet, lactic starters
Nutritional information coming soon
Nutritional information coming soon
Nutritional information coming soon
Nutritional information coming soon