Manchego cheese, a cherished product from Spain's La Mancha region, is renowned for its distinctive flavor profile—nutty, slightly tangy, and ranging from mild to sharp depending on its age. To help you make the most of Manchego, we’ve curated pairing suggestions tailored to different occasions. Whether you're hosting a Wine and Cheese Night or a Tapas Party, our gourmet food pairings are ready to order, get them straight from Europe to your doorstep!
What is Manchego Cheese?
Manchego cheese is a renowned cheese made from the milk of Manchega sheep, native to the La Mancha region in central Spain. It has a distinctively firm and buttery texture, with flavors that range from mild and buttery to rich and nutty, influenced by its aging process. Manchego cheese is one-of-a-kind with Denomination of Origin (DOP) status.
Earning the DOP label requires strictly following the traditional methods of production within the designated geographic region of La Mancha. Manchego is made exclusively from the whole milk of Manchega sheep and aged from 60 days to up to two years. This PDO Manchego Gran Reserva Aged 12 Months is one our favorites and ready to order!
Wine and Cheese Night: A Sophisticated Tasting Experience
Salud! For a Wine and Cheese Night, showcase Manchego’s complexity by pairing it with complementary flavors that enhance the tasting experience. Opt for a mix of classic and innovative combinations.
● Marcona Almonds: These buttery Spanish almonds create a delicate balance with the nutty richness of Manchego. Their slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture provide a perfect contrast. Pour some of these Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Rosemary Almonds into a bowl for easy-picking or go bold with White Truffle Marcona Almonds.
● Aged Rioja Wine: The deep, robust flavors of an aged Rioja wine complement the intensity of an older Manchego. The wine's notes of dark fruit and spice meld beautifully with the cheese’s nutty, savory character.
● Herbed Garlic: Pop open a jar of the l'Epicurien Sweet Garlic with Herbs de Provence to stimulate your palette.
●Dark Chocolate: For an unconventional twist, pair Manchego with dark chocolate.
The bittersweet flavor of the chocolate highlights the cheese's nutty notes. Try this 70% cacao Dark Chocolate with Almonds bar from the master chocolatiers at El Artesano.
Tapas Party: A Flavorful Spanish Feast
Manchego is a natural fit for a Tapas Party, where the focus is on casual conversation over a table of shared dishes and drinks. Let the cheese shine alongside other traditional Spanish ingredients.
● Jamón Iberico: The king of all Spanish tapas, this dry-cured Iberico Acorn Fed Spanish ham, with its savory and slightly sweet flavor, pairs exquisitely with the nutty
notes of Manchego. The velvet texture of the meat contrasts with the firm cheese.
● Stuffed Chilies: We won’t tell if you hide the jar and pretend you made these Borgo de Medici Stuffed Chilies yourself. These mild chilies are preserved in extra virgin olive oil and filled with a savory blend of premium tuna and briny capers. You won’t be able to stop at just one!
● Olives: Spain is olive country and there are so many tasty varieties to choose from. All
the different types bring something new to the table but you can’t go wrong with this
subtle and briny jar of Manzanilla Olives by Losada. A slightly bitter olive cuts through
Manchego’s richness to refresh the palate.
● Smoked Red Pepper Jam: Who doesn’t want a little heat? Spread a generous portion of this unexpected spicy jam from the team at Museu de la Confitura on a slice of Manchego. The deep smoky flavors of the jam add a little warmth to the table.
Psst… don’t forget some ice cold table beers to recreate the Spanish tapas bar experience.
Cheers!
Gourmet Picnic: Casual Elegance in the Great Outdoors
A Gourmet Picnic calls for easy-to-transport, yet sophisticated pairings that allow Manchego to be enjoyed surrounded by nature.
● Chorizo: The smoky, spicy flavor of Spanish Iberico Acorn-Fed Chorizo pairs
wonderfully with the cheese's nutty profile. Place them on small slices of crusty bread for
an easy-to-transport lunch.
● Pears: Thinly sliced ripe pears add a refreshing, juicy sweetness that complements the cheese’s rich texture. This pairing is light, making it perfect for a warm day outdoors.
● Crusty Baguette: A rustic, crusty baguette serves as the perfect vehicle for enjoying Manchego with various toppings like fig jam, honey, or even a slice of prosciutto.
Holiday Entertaining: Festive and Flavorful
In our house, the holidays are all about the food spread. Bring a bit of the Mediterranean to your festivities by letting Manchego take center stage on a festive cheese board.
● Pomegranate Seeds: The bright, tart flavor of pomegranate seeds adds a festive touch to your cheese platter, balancing Manchego’s rich, nutty flavor with a burst of freshness.
●Walnuts: Toasted walnuts enhance the earthy, buttery notes of Manchego, making this combination a hit for holiday gatherings.
● Tart Jams & Spreads: The sweet-tart flavor of Mrs. Bridges' Scottish Blackcurrant Preserve creates a delightful contrast which enhances the nutty richness of the cheese.
Any sweet and tangy fruit spread will pair well - pair your holiday cheeses with Plum Chutney or a Rhubarb Jam.
● Crackers: A cheese board isn’t complete without some crispy crackers! Try
balancing the subtle flavors of Manchego with some heat with these Artisan Smoked Hot Paprika crackers. Keep it classic with the quality Sourdough Organic Olive Oil
and Salt Flatbread. Mulled Wine: Bring the taste of a European Christmas market to your home. Keep toasty on
chilly nights by serving Manchego with a glass of warm mulled wine. The aromatic spices and
fruity notes of the wine enhance the cheese’s depth.
Romantic Evening: Intimate and Indulgent
When it comes to romance, go bold while keeping it simple by pairing the rich flavors of Manchego with sweet flavors.
● Floral Honey: A drizzle of floral, amber honey over Manchego elevates the cheese’s nutty flavor by adding a touch of natural sweetness. You can’t go wrong with this Miel de Brezo Summer Heather Honey.
● Sparkling Wine: Who doesn’t love to hear that bottle pop? The crisp acidity of sparkling wine cuts through the richness of Manchego, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing that’s perfect for toasting to romance. Try this Non-alcoholic Sparkling Rose Gold bubbly from Cipriani, it’s floral, fruity and fun!
●Fresh Figs: Juicy and sweet, fresh sliced figs topped with shaved Manchego is a indulgent combo. Try drizzling some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tapa!
●Dark Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Keep things sweet by ending the evening with these gourmet Les Garrigues almonds. Lightly dusted with sugar before they’re coated with premium dark chocolate, it’s a perfect match. Manchego cheese, with its strong flavor profile, can adapt to a variety of occasions, from casual picnics to elegant romantic dates.
Browse our entire collection of quality imported food items from Spain to make your next
event memorable.
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