Ossau Iraty Grand Affinage AOP

Ossau Iraty Grand Affinage AOP

Ossau Iraty Grand Affinage AOP is the pride of the Pyrenees, a prestigious sheep’s milk cheese crafted by the Etchelecu family on the western slopes of the Pyrenees Mountains. With over 30 years of experience, the family has been producing authentic sheep and goat's milk cheeses, and Ossau Iraty stands out as one of only two sheep's milk cheeses to be designated with the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) label in France. The milk used is of exceptional quality, sourced from herds of Manech sheep that graze on pastures for a minimum of 240 days per year. The collection of milk is limited to within a 25 km radius of the dairy, ensuring the cheese is a true reflection of the region’s unique terroir.

Aged for 9 to 12 months on wooden boards, Ossau Iraty develops complex and varied flavors that are characteristic of fully matured cheeses. It features bold herbaceous notes, nuttiness, and a sweet, clean caramel finish. The texture is subtle and creamy, with a distinctly fishy aroma on the rind. The presence of bright orange molds on the rind promotes sweetness and creaminess in the paste. Ossau Iraty is the perfect cheese to pair with wine or a hoppy ale and complements well with a touch of black cherry jam.

• Weight: Approximately 5kg wheel (wedge size may vary)
• Milk: Sheep (Manech)
• Style: Semi-hard
• Rennet: Animal origin
• Origin: Basque Country, France
• Producer: Agour Fromages

About the Producer

Agour Fromages is a family-owned cheesemaker located in the heart of the Basque Country, known for producing traditional sheep’s milk cheeses. The Etchelecu family has been dedicated to maintaining the authenticity of their cheesemaking practices for over three decades. They use milk from their own herds of Manech sheep, grazing freely on the lush pastures of the Pyrenees, ensuring that their cheeses reflect the unique terroir of the region. Agour’s commitment to quality and traditional methods has earned them a respected reputation, making their cheeses highly sought after by connoisseurs and chefs alike.