Onetik Ossau Iraty is a traditional and distinguished cheese from the Basque and Béarn regions of France. It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese, which means its production follows strict guidelines to ensure authenticity and quality. Made primarily from the milk of Manech ewes, the cheese reflects the rich pastoral traditions of its regions.
The cheese is known for its smooth, slightly oily texture and its rich, nutty flavor. Aged for a minimum of three months, Ossau Iraty develops a fine, dense texture and a beautifully complex taste profile. Its flavors can range from herbal and floral in younger cheeses to more caramelized and nutty notes in older ones. The rind of Ossau Iraty, typically a natural, hard, dry rind, contributes to its distinct taste.
Ossau Iraty is versatile in culinary applications. It's excellent on a cheeseboard, complementing both soft and hard cheeses, and pairs wonderfully with fruits like cherries or figs. In cooking, it melts beautifully, making it a great choice for gratins or as a topping for traditional Basque dishes. When it comes to wine pairings, Ossau Iraty goes well with medium-bodied red wines or dry, fruity white wines, as well as traditional Basque cider. Its rich, robust flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among cheese lovers.
