Cheeses in Spain are boring. In the good sense of the word of course. Lots of variety (many classes, so that our international readers understand us). But there is one that stands out above all when it comes to global popularity, and that is the Machego. Cheese 1605 is our choice in Made in Spain Gourmet. It couldn't be another.

• Manchego cheese: its characteristics
• Characteristics of Manchego Cheese
• A commitment to the tradition of La Mancha and a tribute to Don Quixote
• A privileged environment
• Sheep raised in a unique natural setting
• A great team that works in a traditional and modern way

Manchego cheese: its characteristics

One of the most famous products of Spain is the Manchego cheese, which is made with milk from sheep of the Manchega breed and protected by a denomination of origin in the stain, that make up the provinces of Albacete, Ciudad Real, Cuenca y Toledo.

Its gastronomic value is comparable to its great cultural value since its elaboration dates back to primitive tribes, and as proof, there are historical documents and books such as Don Quixote. And it is that the Manchego cheese It has become a heritage of world culture and a witness to the customs of a people from which it gets its last name. 

Characteristics of Manchego Cheese

El Manchego cheese It is, without a doubt, the best-known cheese outside of Spain. For its flavor, texture and unique aroma, thanks to its maturation process. In order to set the Manchego cheese quality it is necessary to know its main characteristics.

Its shape is cylindrical with flat faces. It has an approximate height of 12 cm, a diameter of 22 cm and an approximate weight of up to 4 kg.

Its bark is hard, light yellow or between greenish and black. The cheese paste should be a color that can range from white to ivory.

When cut, small “holes or eyes” should be visible, distributed irregularly over the entire surface. – It should have a buttery and sandy texture lacking elasticity

When trying an excellent Manchego cheese, perhaps we do not imagine everything that is behind it, however, there is no doubt that we can enjoy this product as a pairing with the best wines of the Spanish geography.

A commitment to the tradition of La Mancha and a tribute to Don Quixote

How could it be otherwise, cheese factory 1605 takes its name from the year of publication of the first edition of El Quijote and with this he wants to pay homage to the most universal Spanish book. They opted to promote and maintain the tradition of Manchego cheese, considered one of the best in the world. all in cheese factory 1605 it is handmade, like, for example, the filling of the curd in the molds is done manually, one by one. Although it has the technology and equipment that guarantee the entire process sanitary, approved by the European Union.

To elaborate 1 kilogram of cured cheese requires between 5,5 and 6 liters of the best milk. The rennet used for its preparation is of the highest quality: suckling lamb rennet extract.

A privileged environment

cheese factory 1605 It is situated between the towns of Inheritance, northwest of the province of Real city, 150 km from Madrid and 5 km from the border with the province of Toledo y Villarta, Sierra La Solana Estate It is surrounded by a beautiful natural setting. With an area of ​​350 hectares, it is surrounded by vineyards, almond trees and a dense scrubland of Mediterranean vegetation where species such as wild boar, badger, imperial eagle, eagle owl, vultures, rabbit, partridge, turtledove, wood pigeon abound. , etc… The special location of the farm, on the southern slope, sheltered by the Sierra de la Solana, contributes to creating one of the most special micro-climates in Herencia, which gives its pastures very different characteristics compared to other locations in the region.

La Sierra la Solana Estate It has a Farmhouse rehabilitated and transformed into Rural Tourism Establishment that preserves the values ​​of rustic architecture and the comforts of quality accommodation.

Sheep raised in a unique natural setting

The milk used comes exclusively from their sheep, raised in a privileged natural area and with an extreme continental climate, favoring the growth of vegetation that serves as food for their sheep. For this reason, the cheese that is made here has very unique characteristics.

Their only produce the amount of natural milk, without being forced at any time. Manchego sheep breeding is perfectly regulated by the producers' association that evaluates each animal. And they preserve the data of the three previous generations of each animal.

A great team that works in a traditional and modern way

The tuning experts of cheese factory 1605 they are the ones who select the best cheeses in an almost personalized way to each one of the pieces so that the best cheese is simply obtained.

No chemical treatments for the rind such as paint or antifungals, natural tumbling to guarantee the implantation of a regular and unique refining flora in its rind, which subsequently contributes to the formation of specific aromas and flavors in the cheese.

cheese factory 1605 It is the only cheese factory in Castilla La Mancha which has the figure of 'Tuner'. His job is to evaluate the potential of each batch to get it out on the market expressing its maximum fullness of flavors and aromas together with an appropriate texture for each type of maturation.

The traditional character of Quesería 1605 is also reflected in the the packaging of its products, manually wrapped one by one, achieving an image of exclusivity and craftsmanship.

En Made in Spain Gourmet, you will find the two ranges, Inheritance y Selection of 4, 7 and 10 months of healing and The Solana Manchego truffled with Tuber Melanosporum.

Each curing has its characteristics, the softer the fewer months and the more robust the longer it cures. High expression cheese with a wide range of aromas and flavors, along with its unique and unmistakable texture. They are 100% Manchego cheeses, made in an artisanal way and exclusively with raw milk from purebred Manchego sheep, raised under exquisite conditions of hygiene, well-being and nutrition.

We are very proud to represent these excellent Manchego cheeses that began their internationalization some time ago. Because they knew that, only offering the best, they would succeed in international markets for the highest quality they offer us. Because Spanish gourmet products have a great future.