Cheese story
What is Roncal?
A firm sheep cheese from the Roncal Valley.
Origin
Navarre, Spain
Milk
sheep
Board role
Hard / mature
Cheese profile
Country
Spain
Region
Navarre
Milk type
sheep
Texture
hard
Rind
natural
Ageing
4+ months
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
raw
Flavour profile: buttery, sheepy, nutty, piquant
Origin, protection and character
Roncal comes from Spain, especially Navarre. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO/DOP
Typical ageing
4+ months
How to serve Roncal
cheese boards, tapas
Good food matches
red wine
quince
nuts
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
