Ossau-Iraty Cheese

Ossau-Iraty is a traditional sheep’s milk cheese produced in the French Basque Country and Béarn, at the foothills of the western Pyrenees. It is one of France’s oldest cheeses, with a history that dates back over a thousand years, and it has held the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) designation since 1996. The name comes from the Ossau Valley in Béarn and the Irati Forest in the Basque Country, the two main areas where it is traditionally made.

This semi-hard cheese is crafted exclusively from the milk of local sheep breeds—Manech tête noire, Manech tête rousse, and Basco-Béarnaise—which graze freely on the rich mountain pastures of the Pyrenees. The milk, either raw or thermized, is curdled and pressed into large, round wheels that are then aged for a minimum of 80 days. The aging process develops a natural rind and a firm, smooth paste with a pale ivory color. The flavor is mild yet complex, with buttery, nutty, and slightly herbal notes that reflect the diversity of the sheep’s mountain diet.

Ossau-Iraty is highly regarded for its balance and aromatic depth. It can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a glass of red Irouléguy wine or Basque cider, or accompanied by cerise noire d’Itxassou (black cherry jam), a classic local pairing. Its versatility also makes it suitable for cooking, enriching dishes such as omelets, salads, or gratins with its creamy texture and delicate flavor.

To promote understanding of its production and heritage, the Centre d’Interprétation de l’AOP Ossau-Iraty offers an in-depth exploration of the cheese’s origins, production, and cultural significance. Likewise, several farms and cooperatives across the region offer guided visits and tastings, allowing visitors to discover the artisanal techniques behind this emblematic cheese. The Ossau-Iraty AOP also supports educational initiatives and festivals celebrating mountain shepherding traditions and local gastronomy.

Ossau-Iraty stands as a symbol of pastoral life in the Basque and Béarnaise valleys—an enduring expression of the harmony between landscape, livestock, and craftsmanship that defines the culture of the western Pyrenees.