Iberico Cheese
Iberico cheese is a Spanish hard cheese made from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep milk. Aged from 1 to 7 months, it develops a firm texture with a creamy, buttery base, nutty sweetness from sheep milk, and a tangy brightness from goat milk. Its aroma is rich and slightly grassy. Iberico is less known globally than Manchego, which has PDO status and stronger sheepy flavor, but Iberico offers a balanced, mild, and versatile profile, and is often more affordable.
Ibérico cheese is classified by its aging period, which directly impacts its texture and intensity.
Serve it sliced with nuts and honey for a rich, flavorful combination.
Incredients
- Main dish:Ibérico cheese
- Side dish:Nuts
- Category:Hard cheese
- Foodstuff:Dairy
- Sauce:Honey
Preparation
- Method:Cheesemaking
- Serving temp:Room temperature
Insensity of basic tastes
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Other
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Wine pairings
Iberico cheese pairs beautifully with a range of wines thanks to its mild yet complex flavor, nutty richness, and creamy texture. Wines with medium body, soft tannins, good acidity, and fruit-forward profiles work best.
Top wine pairings are classic Rioja Crianza, crisp cava and also Mencía due to its acidic, aromatic and fruity character.
For a pairing of Iberico cheese with nuts and honey, the best wine choices are nutty Amontillado Sherry and luscious late harvest Chenin Blanc.
Food friendly pairings
Rules for this pairing
- Sherry is classic pairing for cheese, especially elegant when served as part of a tapas board or cheese course
- Aged complexity complements Iberico’s savory, buttery profile
- Oxidative character acts as a counterpoint to honey’s floral sweetness, creating a layered tasting experience
- Nutty notes echoes nutty flavors of cheese naturally
- Roasted almond and hazelnut notes mirror the nuts in the dish, enhancing harmony