What Makes Spanish Cheese So Special?
Every region in Spain has its traditions when it comes to making cheese. From the green hills of Asturias in the north to the dry plains of La Mancha in the centre, the landscape and weather shape how cheese is made. Some Spanish cheeses are soft and creamy, others are tangy or even blue-veined, and many are rich in history and flavour.
Spain produces over 100 types of cheese, and a good number of them have Denomination of Origin (DOP) protection. This means they must be made in a specific place using traditional methods. That keeps the quality high and the flavours true to their roots.
Let’s dive into some of the most loved types of Spanish cheese.
Manchego: The King of Spanish Cheese
When people think of Spanish cheese, they often think of Manchego. It’s the most famous cheese in Spain and is loved all over the world.
Manchego is made from the milk of Manchega sheep and comes from the La Mancha region. It has a firm, creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. Manchego can be aged for a few months to two years or more. Younger Manchego is softer and milder, while older Manchego is crumblier and stronger in flavour.
Whether you eat it with olives and ham or drizzle it with a touch of honey, Manchego always holds its own on a cheese plate. You can find authentic Manchego at the Cheese Shop Nantwich online store, where we carefully select cheese with full flavour and top quality.
Cabrales: The Bold Blue Wonder
If you enjoy strong cheeses, Cabrales is one to try. This blue cheese comes from Asturias, a mountainous region in northern Spain. It’s made from a mix of cow’s, goat’s and sheep’s milk, then aged in limestone caves where it develops its powerful, tangy taste and blue-green veins.
Cabrales is not shy, it’s punchy, salty, and wonderfully complex. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a cheese that wakes up their taste buds. Try spreading a bit on crusty bread or crumbling it over a salad. Pair it with a glass of sweet sherry or cider for a stunning match.
You’ll be able to find Cabrales and other bold artisan cheeses in our Artisan Cheese collection at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
Idiazabal: The Smoky Cheese from the Basque Country
Idiazabal (pronounced ee-dee-ah-tha-bal) is made in the Basque Country and nearby Navarre. It’s a firm, slightly oily sheep’s milk cheese with a distinct smoky flavour. Sometimes it’s naturally smoked, and other times it’s aged traditionally to develop that taste on its own.
This cheese has a golden rind and a rich, nutty flavour. It’s tasty on its own but also melts beautifully, which makes it an excellent choice for toasting or adding to warm dishes.
It pairs nicely with red wines or quince paste, and if you’re putting together a Spanish cheese board, Idiazabal adds a flavour twist.
Tetilla: A Creamy Cheese with a Funny Name
Tetilla means “small breast” in Spanish, and this cheese gets its name from its funny, nipple-shaped form. But don’t let the name fool you, Tetilla is a serious cheese that’s creamy, mild, and easy to love.
It’s made from cow’s milk in the region of Galicia and has a soft, smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The flavour is buttery and gentle, which makes it perfect for kids or people who prefer milder cheeses.
Tetilla is great with crackers, fruit, or melted over vegetables. Even people who aren’t fans of strong cheeses often enjoy this one.
Mahón: The Versatile Star from Menorca
Mahón comes from the Balearic Island of Menorca and is made using cow’s milk. It can range from semi-soft to quite hard depending on how long it’s aged. The younger cheeses are mild and milky with a slightly salty taste, while older Mahón becomes firmer and more complex, even a bit nutty.
The cheese is easily spotted by its orange rind, which comes from being rubbed with paprika and olive oil during ageing. This gives it a unique blend of creamy, zesty flavours.
Try grating aged Mahón over pasta or melting the younger version in a sandwich. It’s a handy cheese to keep in your fridge.
Spanish Cheese Boards: Tips and Ideas
Creating a Spanish cheese board is both fun and rewarding. Choose 3 to 5 cheeses with different textures and strengths. For variety, include one hard (like Manchego), one soft (like Tetilla), one strong (like Cabrales), and one smoky or spicy.
Add cured meats like jamón ibérico or chorizo, along with hams and olives. A small bowl of almonds, some quince paste, and dried fruit like figs work wonderfully too. Breadsticks or crusty bread tie it all together.
For drinks, go for bold Spanish reds like Tempranillo or Rioja, which stand up nicely to sharp cheeses. If you’re into white wine, Albariño is crisp and clean and pairs especially well.
You can mix and match to suit your taste or make things easy with one of our handpicked selections at Cheese Shop Nantwich.
Discover Artisan Cheeses with Character
What makes Spanish cheese really stand out is the craft behind it. Many of the top cheeses are made the traditional way, by hand, using methods that are hundreds of years old. These are true artisan cheeses, where every wheel tells a story of its region and people.
This means Spanish cheese is not only about flavour. It’s about cultural pride, local farming, and loving care in production. That’s why we at Cheese Shop Nantwich seek out these amazing artisan varieties, to share that story with you.
Try serving them to guests, or enjoy some alone with a good book or film. Something about these handmade cheeses feels homely and special.
FAQs
What is the best cheese from Spain?
There’s no single winner, but Manchego is the most famous and widely loved. If you like stronger tastes, Cabrales is a unique blue cheese to try.
Are Spanish cheeses good for cooking?
Yes! Mahón melts well for sandwiches, Tetilla is great in sauces, and Idiazabal adds a smoky note to cooked dishes.
Do Spanish cheeses have rinds you can eat?
That depends. Manchego has a wax coat you should remove before eating, but some cheeses like aged Mahón have edible rinds. Always check the label or ask your cheesemonger if unsure.
How should I store Spanish cheese?
Wrap your cheese in wax paper or parchment, then loosely in foil or a plastic container. This helps it breathe while keeping it fresh. Store in the fridge, but let it come to room temperature before serving.
Where can I buy Spanish cheese online in the UK?
At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we stock a handpicked selection of artisan Spanish cheeses that you can order easily from our website.
Discover the True Taste of Spain with Us
Spanish cheese brings a variety of flavours and textures you won’t find anywhere else. From the nutty charm of Manchego to the punchy zing of Cabrales, there’s something for every cheese lover.
We love sharing these discoveries with our customers at Cheese Shop Nantwich. Whether you’re new to Spanish cheese or a long-time fan, our range of artisan cheeses is crafted to help you enjoy the finest, most authentic flavours from across Spain.
Browse our website, pick out a few to try, and get ready to enjoy a slice of Spain at home. Your next favourite cheese might be just a click away.
Explore, taste, and enjoy, that’s our promise from Cheese Shop Nantwich.
