Roncal (Spain)

Roncal is a hard Spanish Sheep Cheese.

Wine Pairing

Roncal is a firm, nutty, and slightly piquant cheese. It pairs best with full-bodied Spanish reds like Tempranillo (Rioja or Navarra) or robust Mencía to match its intensity.

Roncal is traditionally enjoyed with Navarra red wines from the same region.

Our favourite pairing is a Navarra Tempranillo or a Navarra Garnacha.

For a regional match, try Navarra rosados (rosé) or dry white wines like Verdejo.

About Roncal

Roncal is made in one of 7 villages in the Valle de Roncal in the Basque territory of Navarra. It was the first cheese to obtain a Spanish PDO status (1981).

Roncal has been made in the Basque territory for nearly 3,000 years. The sheep herds producing the milk, date back to the thirteenth century.

Roncal has an olive-like flavor with nutty undretones. If you like Manchego, you will also appreciate Roncal.

Excellent Wine Pairings

Navarra Tempranillo

The best match, as regional Navarra red wines complement the nutty, savory notes.

Navarra Garnacha

Garnatcha is another great option if you prefer a fruity, slightly higher alcohol red.

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 a Roncal.

Mencía

Mencía is a robust, fruity, and slightly acidic red that pairs well with the cheese's firm texture.

Oaked Rioja Blanco

Rioja Blanco, made primarily from Viura grapes, offers a combination of citrus, floral, and mineral flavors with a touch of oak aging.

Rioja Blanco's crisp acidity and complex aromatics complement the nutty and slightly tangy taste of Roncal.

Oaked Chardonnay

A buttery Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and oak can contrast the nuttiness of Roncal while complementing its creamy texture.

Dry Verdejo

Verdejo provides a crisp, acidic contrast to the rich, buttery texture of the sheep's milk.

Sparkling Wines

Cava

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

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 Roncal, making it a delightful pairing option.

Champagne

A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Roncaland 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 Roncal.

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: