Flavor:
Earthy, grassy.
Story:
Ossau-Iraty (or Esquirrou) is a traditional, unpasteurised ewe’s milk cheese from the picturesque mountains of Pyrenees that hold a fertile grazing land for the milk-giving ewes. This cheese unites two regions of France in the Western Pyrénées: Ossau valley of Bearn and Iraty Forest of Basque Country. It received an AOC protection in 1980, which requires that the cheese be produced with the milk of only two breeds of ewes – Manech and Basco-Béarnaise.
An uncooked and pressed cheese, Ossau-Iraty is semi-hard in texture with a thick, buff rind marked with rust and grey moulds. Beneath the brown and orange rind is an ivory white, supple and slightly grainy interior that has a creamy and buttery mouth feel. Flavours are herbaceous, nutty and fruity if the produce is from winter while the summer cheeses tend to reveal aromas of grass and flowers.
Matured for at least 6 months, Ossau-Iraty often comes in a flat cylindrical shape. There are three main sizes available, small (Petit-Ossau-Iraty-Brebis Pyrenes), intermediate (non-fermier) and large (fermier). It is sometimes dusted with paprika leaves to add a kick of flavour. It tastes delicious with fruity red, full-bodied red or white wines such as Zinfandel, Tempranillo or Syrah.
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Ready to create this delicious recipe? Find every authentic ingredient you need at Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace — Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey's premier destination for Italian specialty foods, farm-fresh produce, artisan cheeses, premium meats, and gourmet ingredients since 1998.
Why Shop Uncle G's for Your Recipe Ingredients?
🥬 Locally-sourced produce delivered fresh daily from regional farms
🇮🇹 Authentic Italian imports including DOP cheeses, prosciutto, pasta, and olive oils
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🐟 Fresh seafood daily from local waters and sustainable sources
🍞 Artisan breads baked in-house every morning in our bakeries
🍝 Prepared foods & meal solutions when cooking from scratch isn't an option
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Long Island, NY: East Meadow • Melville • Port Washington • Smithtown • North Babylon • Bohemia • Massapequa • Port Jefferson Station
Westchester County, NY: Yorktown Heights
New Jersey: Ramsey • Morris Plains • Tinton Falls
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Order Online
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Weekly Specials
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About Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace: Family-owned and operated since 1998, Uncle Giuseppe's has been the trusted source for authentic Italian specialty foods, premium groceries, and exceptional customer service across Long Island, Westchester County, and New Jersey. From our butcher shop and seafood counter to our artisan bakery and prepared foods department, we're committed to bringing you the finest ingredients and an unforgettable shopping experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Looking for a specific ingredient for this recipe? Call your nearest Uncle Giuseppe's location and our knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you need or suggest the perfect substitute!
Recommended Pairings:
Chardonnay, Cider, Farmhouse Ales & Sours, & Pinot Noir
Shop Fresh Ingredients at Uncle Giuseppe's
Ready to create this delicious recipe? Find every authentic ingredient you need at Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace — Long Island, Westchester, and New Jersey's premier destination for Italian specialty foods, farm-fresh produce, artisan cheeses, premium meats, and gourmet ingredients since 1998.
Why Shop Uncle G's for Your Recipe Ingredients?
🥬 Locally-sourced produce delivered fresh daily from regional farms
🇮🇹 Authentic Italian imports including DOP cheeses, prosciutto, pasta, and olive oils
🥩 Expert butchers who hand-cut premium meats to your specifications
🐟 Fresh seafood daily from local waters and sustainable sources
🍞 Artisan breads baked in-house every morning in our bakeries
🍝 Prepared foods & meal solutions when cooking from scratch isn't an option
Visit Us at These Convenient Locations
Long Island, NY: East Meadow • Melville • Port Washington • Smithtown • North Babylon • Bohemia • Massapequa • Port Jefferson Station
Westchester County, NY: Yorktown Heights
New Jersey: Ramsey • Morris Plains • Tinton Falls
Shop In-Store
Experience our full selection and expert service
Order Online
Shop from home for curbside pickup
Home Delivery
Get ingredients delivered to your door
Weekly Specials
Save on seasonal ingredients and favorites
About Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace: Family-owned and operated since 1998, Uncle Giuseppe's has been the trusted source for authentic Italian specialty foods, premium groceries, and exceptional customer service across Long Island, Westchester County, and New Jersey. From our butcher shop and seafood counter to our artisan bakery and prepared foods department, we're committed to bringing you the finest ingredients and an unforgettable shopping experience.
💡 Pro Tip: Looking for a specific ingredient for this recipe? Call your nearest Uncle Giuseppe's location and our knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you need or suggest the perfect substitute!
Label:
- Milk: Sheep
- Texture: Supple
- Flavor: Nutty, Complex
- Rind: Not Edible
- Country: France
- Wine: Medium Reds