New Year’s Eve: Ossau-Iraty AOP, the cheese everyone agrees on

12/29/2025 | News

For New Year’s Eve, we often look for the perfect idea — one that brings people together, feels comforting, and leaves a lasting impression without making things complicated. What if the answer lay in a true staple of the Basque Country and Béarn? Ossau-Iraty AOP is an obvious choice for special occasions: an ewe’s milk cheese that is both delicate and full of character, ideal for a festive aperitif, a cheese board at the end of the meal, or even as a gourmet touch within the menu itself.

At Maison Agour Etxea, Ossau-Iraty AOP is more than just a cheese: it is a signature, a craft, and a story rooted in its land and shaped by passion. On the visiting site of the Maison Agour Etxea dairy in Hélette, you can explore the full richness of this commitment — from the origin of the milk to the ageing process — as well as the different tommes and tasting tips to enjoy them at their best.

WHY IS OSSAU-IRATY AOP PERFECT FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE?

On December 31st, cheese has a rare power: it naturally brings people together around the table. Ossau-Iraty AOP is particularly well suited to this moment, as it combines indulgence, elegance, and simplicity. Its uncooked pressed curd offers a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a delicately distinctive flavour — bold enough to make an impression, yet never overpowering.

Ossau-Iraty is an emblematic cheese of its region, made from ewe’s milk from the Basque Country and Béarn. It is precisely this authenticity that makes it an ideal choice for New Year’s Eve: an ewe’s milk cheese that carries meaning, tradition, and quality.

A “DECEMBER 31ST SPECIAL” CHEESE BOARD IDEA WITH OSSAU-IRATY

If you’d like to create a well-balanced cheese board without multiplying cheeses, Ossau-Iraty AOP can be the centrepiece. Even on its own, it stands perfectly well. The key is to showcase it: a good knife, a beautiful board, a few dried fruits, a characterful loaf of bread… and a festive atmosphere.

Discover our selection of Ossau-Iraty cheeses, allowing you to choose the tomme best suited to the moment — for an aperitif, a cheese board at the end of the meal, or a more refined tasting experience.

Maison Agour Etxea also offers a selection of cheese boards delivered directly to your home, bringing the very best of Basque cheeses to your festive table.

WHICH DRINKS SHOULD YOU PAIR WITH OSSAU-IRATY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE?

We naturally think of wine… but Ossau-Iraty AOP opens the door to other pairings. It pairs beautifully with:

a dry, elegant white wine
cider, for a more convivial touch
an amber beer, whose malty, lightly biscuity notes echo the gentle sweetness of ewe’s milk

These pairings create a lively moment, where tasting becomes a true pleasure of discovery. Explore our selection of wines and beverages from the Basque Country.

A TERROIR CHEESE THAT ADDS DEPTH TO YOUR TABLE

New Year’s Eve is often the perfect occasion to create a table that is both generous and refined. Ossau-Iraty AOP brings that extra touch of soul: it evokes the mountains, the flocks, and the meticulous work of the women and men who craft it.

Maison Agour Etxea highlights the importance of wooden-board ageing in shaping the cheese’s flavour. Carefully carried out, this ageing process gives Ossau-Iraty its distinctive identity — a balance between milky softness, subtly fruity notes, and a lingering finish on the palate. It is a cheese that truly “dresses” the end of a meal, even when served in the simplest way.

HOW TO SERVE IT TO BRING OUT ITS BEST — WITHOUT COMPLICATION

To make this moment a success, there’s no need to overdo it: just a few simple gestures are enough.

First, take the cheese out in advance — ideally 20 to 30 minutes before tasting — so it can fully reveal its texture and aromas. Then, cut it neatly and present it in generous portions. Finally, choose simple accompaniments: a rustic country loaf, walnuts, or a sweet touch such as black cherry jam or Espelette pepper jelly.

OSSAU-IRATY AOP BY MAISON AGOUR: A TRUSTED CHOICE TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR

An AOP-certified product, a strong sense of terroir, and a recognised craft: Ossau-Iraty AOP is a reliable choice for New Year celebrations. It is a cheese that reassures, delights, and brings a true festive-table dimension without any complexity.

To discover the different tommes, learn more about their origin, ageing process, and tasting tips, the Maison Agour Etxea online shop is the go-to reference. There, you’ll find the world of the house, its commitments, and exceptional cheeses to elevate your most special occasions.

At Maison Agour Etxea, we believe that the most beautiful memories are often made around a table. For this new year, we wish you moments of joy, gentleness, and calm, shared with those who matter most.

Thank you for your trust and loyalty.
We are proud to accompany you, now and always, with the very best of Basque gastronomy.

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL 2026!