Ossau-Iraty

An ancient cheese made near its namesake rivers in the Basque region of France, Ossau-Iraty is a sheep’s milk cheese with a creamy and semi-firm texture. This coveted cheese is beloved for its rich nutty flavor filled with notes of hazelnut, fresh grass and wildflowers. Made from the milk of Pyrenees sheep, Ossau-Iraty has been made for 3000 years, and is one of the only two sheep’s milk cheeses to earn the coveted AOC status (the other one is Roquefort).

Each wheel of this wonderful sheep’s milk cheese is aged for at least 80 days in wooden cellars and remains under constant supervision and care for the duration of the aging process. Each wheel is scrubbed, sometimes daily, in order to encourage the growth of flora that makes up the crust. The result of this care is a delectable cheese with an oily texture that has the perfect amount of acid.

As special as Ossau-Iraty is, it’s superbly versatile and could be considered an every day, table cheese. It’s perfect for any cheeseboard and can be paired with a variety of breads, jams, or honey. Slice it and put it on a sandwich or combine it with apple slices for a great afternoon snack. This cheese pairs well with a Pinot Gris or a Merlot. You can also double down on the Basque products and combine this great cheese with wine from the Irouleguy region.

Istara collects milk from more than 500 family farms that are located within 30 km of the factory. Most of these farms have been passed down generation after generation and continually work with Istara to ensure the same quality ingredients always go into the Ossau-Iraty. Since 1964, Istara has never stopped investing in their growth and processes and produces nearly 6,000 tons of cheese annually.