Manchego is Spain's most famous cheese. Named for the Spanish region of La Mancha, it is produced from pasteurized sheep's milk. It has a black gray or buff colored rind with a crosshatch pattern, the paste color is stark white when young, becomes yellowish as it ages. It is sold at various stages of maturity: at the age of 13 weeks it is described as curado (cured) and, when over three months old it is referred to as viejo (aged). There is a peppery bite to cheeses that have reached a great age.
*Imported product