August 29, 2023

Cheese Wisdom: Spanish cheese offers a touch of funk

Paprika rind adds to goat’s milk earthy tones

by Anita Skogland

The Cheese: Maxorata Goat Milk Cheese, Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
Where to Purchase: Orrman’s Cheese Shop, $34/lb

The Style: Firm round cheese with a hint of butter with acidity and light crystals. The unique rind is rubbed with paprika and oil.
Flavor Profile: Almonds. Made from the milk of the heritage Majorera goats, it yields a bit of “barnyard” on the nose, but is clean on the palate.

How to Enjoy: Grate on sturdy pasta, on a cheese plate with cured meats and dried fruits, with warm apple crisp.

Wine Pairings: Albarino or Gruner Veltliner for white. Hearty red wines like Zinfandel, Syrah, Priorat, LBV Port, or a Malmsey-style Madeira.

Extra Reading: This is the first Spanish cheese to have received the DOP certification, which designates that it is a very special product reflecting the heritage of its region. The herd of 3000+ goats has been raised on this island for years. The cheese has minimal intervention, and the rounds are hand-formed.

Check out the rest of our Cheese Wisdom picks!