Evora

Artisanal CheeseClock Pairing Tool

Evora is a small, firm cylinder of raw sheep's milk cheese from Portugal that is aged from two to three months. Made with raw sheep milk and cardoon thistle in the region north of Alentejo near the historic city of Evora, the cheese is spicy and slightly acidic and fruity with a light-yellow color. Now with D.O.P. status, Evora was once traded as currency. Because of its slightly higher level of salt, it is well-suited for salads. The milk that is used to make the Evora is from the Merina ewe, a breed that is perhaps better known stateside for its wool than its milk. The meat of the Merino makes nice lamb too; but being "cheese guys" here, we think the cheeses like the Evoras are far and away the best product that comes from this breed. The small golden colored cheeses are semi-firm and they have the flavor of a rustic olive oil. Try pairing this cheese with light crisp whites and light to medium-bodied red wines.