Aged Manchego (Spain)

Manchego is a very popular cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. It is made from unpasteurised Sheep milk.

Wine Pairing Aged Manchego

Manchego has a firm texture and a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and tanginess.

The cheese pairs best with Spanish wines that match its nutty, sheep's milk intensity, with Tempranillo (Rioja/Ribera del Duero) being the classic choice.

About Manchego

Slowly aged, Manchego Cheese is available in different stages of ripeness:

Semi-cured Manchego (3 months) has a mild flavor, with a slight briny nuttiness and sweetness. On the palate it is buttery, oily and slightly piquant and salty with a sheep milk aftertaste.

Cured Manchego (6 months) has a more developed and prolonged taste. Balanced and pleasant notes appear while the cheese is crumbled in the mouth.

Aged Manchego (9-12 months) develops more nuances of aroma and flavor, becoming developed and strong, zesty and exuberant while its texture is a little bit dry and crunchy due to the crystallization of fat drops.

The wine pairing suggestions on this page is for aged Manchego.

Excellent Pairings

Tempranillo

Spanish Tempranillo wines pair well with many types of cheese: Manchego, mountain cheeses, goat cheeses, sheep cheeses, cow cheeses, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.

Look for a Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.

Rioja

Rioja wines offer complex flavors of red and dark fruits, vanilla, and spice, along with a smooth texture and firm tannins.

An aged Rioja Reserva can provide a satisfying contrast to the sharpness of an aged Manchego, enhancing its rich and nutty character.

Ribera del Duero

These medium to full body wines, with red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones complements the nuttiness and enhance the savory character of Manchego.

Priorat

Priorat is a bold and full-bodied red wine from Catalonia, Spain, known for its intense flavors of dark fruit, spice, and mineral notes.

The wine's robust character can stand up to the richness of Manchego cheese and provide a satisfying pairing experience.

Syrah/Shiraz

A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Manchego.

The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.

Sparkling Wines

Cava

Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain made using the traditional method, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of Manchego.

Cava's crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and citrusy notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with this cheese.

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Manchego, making it a delightful pairing option.

Champagne

A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Manchegoand elevate the tasting experience.

Dessert Wines

The Spanish often pair aged, salty, or robust cheeses with fortified dessert wines from southern Spain, with Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry and Oloroso Sherry being the most iconic choices.

Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry

A dark, velvety, intense sherry with notes of raisins and figs that pairs beautifully with salty, aged sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego and Roncal or sharp blue cheeses like Cabrales.

Oloroso Sherry

A savory, nuttier, oxidative style of sherry that stands up to the intense flavors of aged Mahón or 2-year-old Manchego.

Sherry Amontillado

Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of Manchego.

Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.

All aged cheeses like a good sherry. Richer cheeses like the smoked versions Amontillado or Oloroso.

Malaga (Moscatel de Alejandría)

Malaga dessert wines, made from sun-dried grapes, are aromatic and sweet, working well with robust goat or sheep cheeses.

For a truly authentic, "edgier" pairing, one might try a sweet Malaga or a Cream Sherry with aged cheeses.

Personal Preferences

Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!

Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience: