Ossau Iraty

Ossau Iraty is a wonderful sheep's milk cheese produced in a specific area of the French Pyrenées. The name is derived from the production area that includes two neighboring provinces: the Ossau Valley, located in the Bearn; and Iraty, a forested area in the French Basque Pyrenées. This particular cheese is aged by affineur Herve Mons and made only during the spring and summer months. The summer milk yields the most favorable flavor profile, resulting in a nutty and sweet cheese with notes of earth and cellar. The texture is uniformly smooth, creamy and dense. Although traditionally served with black cherry jam, Ossau Iraty can be readily paired with cured meats and a wide variety of wines.