Mahon-Menorca Aged Cow's Milk, Spain

The best-known cheese from Spain's Balearic Islands, Mahon is a square-shaped 'wheel' with a characteristic orange rind. Menorca is one of the Spanish islands in the Balearic archipelago, located in the western Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Mallorca.

It is made with the pasteurized milk of cows grazing in the protected biosphere of Menorca. The colorful rind comes from the olive oil and paprika used during aging, which helps develop its deep orange rind and savory, slightly spicy aroma. Aged for 6-12 months, resulting in a slightly firm cheese with a buttery richness. A beautiful melting cheese.

The chees is aged for just 4 months (vs the 6-12 of a fully aged Mahon), leaving behind a bit of the young Mahon's creamy texture with plenty of moisture in the paste. The result is a mild and buttery cheese with a nutty finish. Perfect for melting!

Pairings: Crisp wines of medium body - Albarino, Godello and Brut Cava. For reds, reach for Garnacha or Mencia. Typical sides include Marcona almonds, membrillo (Quince paste), roasted peppers, anything tomato-based or spiced with paprika.