Esquirrou
pronounced "ehs-keer-roo"
| Petit Ossau-Iraty Esquirrou is a world-class pressed sheep’s milk cheese from the French Pyrénées-Atlantiques, produced by Fromagerie de Mauléon under Savencia. It follows strict AOP regulations, using pasteurized milk from three native sheep breeds and aging 5–6 months. Its terroir includes humid Basque pastures rich in aromatic flora contributing to unique flavor compounds. The cheese features a natural brushed rind and a smooth, nutty, herbaceous paste with complex proteolysis and lipolysis. Esquirrou won the 2018 World Champion Cheese title and is valued for its safety (pasteurization), consistent quality, and suitability for export markets, especially the US. | |
| Country | France |
| Milk | Sheep |
| Rennet | Animal |
| Heat Treatment | Pasteurized |
| Texture Profile | Firm, melting |
| Flavor Profile | Nutty, toasted wheat, savory, herbaceous |
| Wine Pairings | Irouléguy, Madiran, Jurançon Sec, Irouléguy Blanc, Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh |
| Beer Pairings: | Brown Ale, Porter, Saison, Farmhouse Ale |
| Food Pairings: | Black Cherry Jam, Quince Paste |
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