Ossau Iraty

Pronounced oh-soh ee-RAH-tee

Ossau Iraty Pardou Arriou is a classic sheep's milk cheese made in the French Pyrénées in two neighboring provinces: the Ossau Valley in the Bearn and the wooded hills of Iraty in the French Basque country. Ossau Iraty is made with the milk of the Manech and Basco-Bearnaise ewes. While it complies with strict Appellation d'Origine Controlée (AOC) regulations, the shape of each wheel can vary from region to region. Ossau is aged for a minimum of ninety days; we age it further in the Artisanal Premium Cheese caves until its paste has turned a luscious ivory; its fragrance is reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts, and its taste encapsulates the sweet, buttery flavors that a great sheep's milk cheese can deliver. This cheese pairs nicely with many wines, especially Sauvignon Blancs, a Madirans, or Merlots. Pairs well with cider.

Each cheese comes with a fromager note (describing the cheese with beverage pairing suggestions) and a cheese serving tag identifying its name, origin and milk type.