Zamorano (Spain)

Zamorano is a hard Sheep cheese made in the province of Zamora, located in the community of Castile and León in northwestern Spain.

Typically aged about 6 months, the cheeses are turned often and rubbed with olive oil, giving the cheese its characteristic dark color.

About Zamorano

Zamorano holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO/DOP) status, ensuring strict traditional production standards.

It is aged in cellars for a minimum of 100 days, though some varieties are aged up to six months or longer as a Gran Reserva.

While it is often compared to the famous Queso Manchego, Queso Zamorano is distinct because it uses milk specifically from Zamora's local Churra and Castellana sheep breeds and offers a deeper, more robust nuttiness.

Excellent Wine Pairings

Zamorano cheese pairs best with a robust regional Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero or Rioja.

Tempranillo

Zamorano is a rich, buttery, and nutty raw sheep's milk cheese. Tempranillo provides bright acidity and dark fruit flavors that balance the high fat and savory depth of the cheese.

Choose a Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva for aged Zamorano.

Tawny Port (20 or 30-Year-Old)

Aged Tawny Port brings out the caramel, butterscotch, and dried fruit notes that develop as Zamorano matures.

Verdejo (Rueda)

A crisp, high-acidity white cuts through the buttery texture of younger wheels of Zamorano without overpowering the milk flavors.

Garnacha

Garnacha, another prominent Spanish red grape, offers ripe berry flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.

A fruity Garnacha can provide a delicious contrast to the saltiness of Zamorano while complementing its nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Syrah/Shiraz

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

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 Zamorano.

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 Zamorano, making it a delightful pairing option.

Champagne

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

Dessert Wines

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 Zamorano.

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: