Country: Spain
Milk Type: Goat
Fat Content: 50%
Cheese Type: Firm
Wine: Tempranillo, California Merlot, Barbaresco, Albarino, Chardonnay, Pouilly-Fume (Sauvignon Blanc), and Riesling.
Ibores also called Sierra Ibores, is a hard, dense raw goat's milk cheese in the Chevrotin family of cheeses. Ibores hails from the region of Extremadura in Spain. Extremadura is one of the most rugged an economically distressed regions in Spain. Many of the cheeses from this region reflect these harsh conditions in their rusticity, flavor, and lack of recognition. Ibores is definitely no exception. During their two month aging process, Ibores wheels get rubbed with a mixture of olive oil and sweet paprika. However, some makers use varying combinations of spices to produce lighter colors and different flavor profiles.
Ibores wheels are a very vibrant red-orange color (due to their treatment of paprika) and are about 4 - 5 inches thick and about 5 inches in diameter. Ibores wheels usually weigh about 1 - 3lbs.
Initially, Ibores exhibits a rustic yet surprisingly mild flavor that finishes off slighty spicy. Unlike other cheeses in it's class, Ibores is more gregarious and cooperative when pairing it with wine and food. It is also an excellent crowd pleaser for most dinner parties as it pairs well with a great variety of wines. As Ibores ages, the pate becomes denser and the cheese exhibits a sharper and spicier flavor profile. It is during this time where the "goatiness" of the cheese really shines through. Keeping this in mind, the goat flavor of this cheese never becomes overpowering or intolerable as some raw aged goat's milk cheeses tend to have.
Ibores pairs exceptionally well with a variety of accompaniments such as raw fruits, vegetables (peppers, cucumbers, radishes) smoked and cured pork products, and crusty artisanal breads. This cheese can also be enjoyed plain or with a simple slice of bread and hearty glass of Tempranillo. Whatever your palate leans to, Ibores is sure to please.
Next week we will continue our Journey through Spain to take a look at
some other rustic cheeses made from different milks. STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEKS CHEESE!!!!
