How to Choose the Right Ossau-Iraty?

02/19/2026 | News , Recipes

Discover the secrets to selecting an exceptional Ossau-Iraty and elevating your gourmet moments.

Ossau-Iraty sheep’s milk cheese is a proud symbol of Basque gastronomic heritage, a pressed, uncooked cheese crafted in the Pyrenean mountains of Béarn and the Basque Country.

Recognized since 1980 with the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), Ossau-Iraty combines authenticity, rich aromas, and traditional know-how. But how do you choose the right one for your cheese board, your recipe, or your tasting experience?

Follow our tips to make the perfect choice 👇

UNDERSTANDING THE OSSAU-IRATY DESIGNATION

Ossau-Iraty is produced exclusively from milk of Basco-Béarnaise sheep, raised within a strictly defined geographical area in the heart of the Pyrenees.

The designation guarantees:

controlled origin of the milk and place of production
a minimum aging period (often 90 days or more)
traditional methods passed down from generation to generation

Choosing a PDO Ossau-Iraty cheese means ensuring certified quality and the authentic flavors of its terroir. Ossau-Iraty sheep’s milk cheese is one of Maison Agour Etxea’s signature products—taste it, and you won’t be able to do without it!

THE EXTERNAL APPEARANCE: AN IMPORTANT CLUE

A well-chosen Ossau-Iraty sheep’s milk cheese features a natural golden-brown rind, firm and slightly rough to the touch. Visually, look for:

The paste: ivory to pale yellow in color, smooth and uniform, with very few holes
The rind: free from suspicious mold or unusual spots
The shape: a regular, well-formed tomme

A beautiful, well-developed rind is often the sign of careful aging. Since 2008, Maison Agour Etxea has been aging its Ossau-Iraty sheep’s milk tommes on wooden boards.

We offer aging periods ranging from four to eighteen months. Out of every ten cheeses sold, six are aged for six months, while two benefit from twelve months of aging. The longest aging period, eighteen months, represents approximately five percent of sales.

DISCOVERING THE FLAVORS OF OSSAU-IRATY

The taste of Ossau-Iraty varies depending on its age and maturation:

- Young Ossau-Iraty: supple texture, mild and milky flavor — perfect at any time of the day

- Medium-aged: more developed aromas, with notes of hazelnut and butter

- Long-aged: a more pronounced character, greater complexity, and a long finish on the palate

👉 For a well-balanced cheese board that pleases everyone, choose a medium-aged wheel. If you are looking for the perfect pairing for a glass of wine or a rustic platter, a more aged Ossau-Iraty will be an excellent choice.