Ombra (Ros)

Ombra as it is known in the USA, Ros to the Spaniards, was created by esteemed Spanish cheesemaker Josep Cuixart. The name Ros means "blondie" in Catalan and was chosen to reflect Cuixart's nickname, (due to his fair hair) and the straw color of the cheese's interior when mature. Wheels are about three inches tall, with a natural rind, coated with gray and brown molds. The minimum age is four months, but the cheese can withstand up to ten months of ripening. The interior paste is firm and close-textured and occasionally studded with crunchy nuggets of crystalized amino acids. Flavors are of butterscotch and pineapple, and well balanced between citrus acidity and the sweetness of the milk. Once in hand, all you need is a glass of Rioja.