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Milk type Sheep
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Region of origin Occitanie
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Cheese type Uncooked pressed cheese
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Heat treatment Raw milk
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Country of origin France
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Type of production Artisanal
OSSAU IRATY AOP
Sheep's cheese AOP emblematic of the Basque Country and Béarn, Ossau Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese known for its soft and melting texture. This AOP (Protected Designation of Origin) relies on a simple raw material, sheep's milk collected according to a production know-how rooted in the Pyrenees, between summer pastures and farms. Depending on the batches, one can notably find milk from Manech tête rousse and tête noire herds, local breeds.
The production is true to the style of the Southwest: a raw pressed dough, crafted to maintain its structure without losing creaminess. Our role as affineurs is primarily a work of observation and patience. We select the pieces from our producer, then we let them evolve in the cellar. Each cheese is then brushed, washed, turned manually, while monitoring the humidity, the rind, and the balance between lactic sweetness and aromatic expression. This aging process lasts a minimum of 4 months, the time necessary for the Ossau-Iraty to gain depth without losing its texture.
On the palate, the Iraty remains approachable, with a mild and harmonious taste, lactic notes, slightly fruity, sometimes close to hazelnut. It is an AOP sheep's cheese that can be enjoyed both plain and in simple pairings, when one seeks precision rather than effect.
To be served at room temperature on a cheese platter. This product pairs perfectly with cherry jam (or a dark jam, like cherry), and a dry or slightly sweet white wine or an amber beer. For a local touch, a pinch of Espelette pepper is enough.
We ship in refrigerated packages, with careful preparation to preserve the dough and texture during transport.
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