Agour Ossau-Iraty Cheese

A protected origin cheese with Appellation d'Origine Protégée (AOP) status, Ossau-Iraty is an ancient cheese from the Basque country where France and Spain meet. This mountainous region is historically traversed by shepherds and their sheep, so sheep's milk cheeses are the tradition in the Pyrenees and in Basque cuisine. A cheese of complexity and intrigue, Ossau-Iraty is approachable and not-too-strong. It is flavored by the many plants the sheep forage, and therefore can vary season-to-season or day-to-day depending on what the sheep choose to nibble. The cheese can be more floral or nutty, toasted or vegetal, with the complexity of hay flavors and buttery richness. A very smooth firm interior melts in the mouth at room temperature. This Ossau-Iraty is from Fromagerie Agour, a creamery that has won numerous awards for its authentic cheese, including the title of World Champion at the 2006 World Cheese Awards. Try Ossau-Iraty on a thoughtful cheese plate paired with juicy fruits and sliced charcuterie. Basque wines and cuisine are a natural fit. Don't forget to try it melted - a wonderful grilled cheese might be in your future. Cheesemonger's Note: The natural mold rind may be fragrant, and dappled with white, grey, and orange molds. This is normal.