Cheese story
What is Serra da Estrela?
Portugal’s famous thistle-rennet sheep cheese with a rich spoonable centre.
Origin
Serra da Estrela, Portugal
Milk
sheep
Board role
Soft / creamy
Cheese profile
Country
Portugal
Region
Serra da Estrela
Milk type
sheep
Texture
soft to semi-soft
Rind
natural
Ageing
30+ days
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
raw
Flavour profile: buttery, rich, sheepy, slightly tangy
Origin, protection and character
Serra da Estrela comes from Portugal, especially Serra da Estrela. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO/DOP
Typical ageing
30+ days
How to serve Serra da Estrela
spooned with bread, cheese boards
Good food matches
Dão wine
honey
walnuts
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.
