Mons Selection Ossau Iraty

Tasting Notes of the Curator

Mons Selection Ossau-Iraty offers a beautifully composed expression of sheep’s milk cheese, balancing rustic warmth with remarkable finesse. The aroma opens softly with toasted nuts, warm cream, and sweet pasture notes, immediately inviting without overwhelming the senses. On the palate, it begins with a supple buttery richness that slowly unfolds into layers of roasted hazelnuts, browned butter, and delicate caramel undertones.

What distinguishes this selection is its restraint and precision. Rather than leaning aggressively earthy or sharp, the cheese remains smooth and rounded, allowing the natural sweetness of the sheep’s milk to shine through. There are subtle grassy nuances and a gentle lanolin warmth that evoke the mountain terroir of the French Basque region. As it lingers, deeper savory notes begin to emerge, especially closer to the rind, creating a finish that feels comforting yet refined.

The texture is dense yet creamy, becoming slightly firmer and more crystalline as it matures. It is the kind of cheese that quietly evolves with every bite — approachable enough for newer cheese lovers, yet nuanced enough to reward seasoned enthusiasts. Mons’ careful affinage elevates the balance and texture beautifully, giving the cheese a polished elegance while preserving its pastoral soul.

Pairings and Suggestions

Ossau-Iraty is one of the most versatile cheeses for entertaining because it bridges rustic and refined so effortlessly.

• Serve with black cherry jam or fig preserves, a classic Basque pairing that brightens the cheese’s buttery depth.
• Pair with walnut bread, sourdough, or seeded crackers for texture and nuttiness.
• Excellent alongside Jamón Ibérico, saucisson, or duck rillettes.
• Drizzle lightly with lavender or thyme honey for a softer, more floral experience.
• Enjoy with dry white wines, light reds, Basque cider, or even sparkling wine.

For warm preparations, Ossau-Iraty melts beautifully into gratins, sandwiches, and baked potato dishes. It also pairs exceptionally well with roasted mushrooms and caramelized onions.

The Art of Affinage

Mons Fromager Affineur is one of France’s most respected cheese affineurs, known for selecting and maturing cheeses with exceptional attention to balance, texture, and terroir. Their Ossau-Iraty reflects this philosophy beautifully. Produced in the Basque and Béarn regions of the French Pyrenees using sheep’s milk from traditional local breeds, the cheese is then carefully aged to develop greater harmony and depth.

Ossau-Iraty itself carries centuries of shepherding history, traditionally crafted in mountain regions where flocks grazed across high-altitude pastures. Through Mons’ maturation process, the cheese gains additional polish and complexity while preserving the soulful warmth that makes Basque mountain cheeses so beloved. It is pastoral comfort refined through the hands of master affineurs.

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated between 2–6°C. Wrap in cheese paper, parchment, or wax paper and store in the vegetable drawer or a lightly humid section of the refrigerator. Allow the cheese to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.