Two cheeses from the Cuenca company “Quesos Artesanos Villarejo” have managed to win the renowned 3-star award at the prestigious “Great Taste Awards” held in London. This contest, known as the “Oscars of gastronomy” is considered the most important gastronomy in the world.
This international contest celebrates its eighteenth edition this year and more than 14,000 references from a hundred countries have participated in it. The jury values the taste above all else, without taking into account the brand and the packaging, removed before being tasted. Afterwards, the judges taste, consult and taste again to decide which products deserve an award of 1, 2, 3 stars or none.
Of the more than 14,000 samples evaluated, only 1.5% of them have achieved a 3-star recognition, which gives special value to the fact that the Cuenca cheese factory has managed to have two references among the best products in the world.
The Award Winning Cheeses
Artisan Sheep Cheese Cured in Honey and oregano “Villarejo” – Three stars
It is a cured artisan cheese made with raw sheep’s milk, its natural rind is covered with chestnut honey and oregano, and it is the cheese itself that absorbs the aroma of the additives that cover its rind, which makes it produce a fusion of exquisite flavors. The jury of the contest describes it:
“We admired the contrast between the bitterness of the rind and then the sweetness of the honey that made this such a delicious, complex and addictive cheese with a wonderfully lingering flavor. Amazing. Exquisite artisan cheese with an incredible depth of flavor. We are speechless eating this; the flavor is nuanced and complex, twisting at every opportunity. The crust is sensational. It’s just exceptional.”
This cheese is one of the most awarded in the world, it has already been crowned Best Cheese in the World at the Lyon 2021 International Contest, it has achieved two consecutive years the recognition of “superior quality product” with three stars by the International Taste Institute from Brussels, and has won awards in previous editions of the Great Taste Awards and in important competitions such as the World Cheese Awards, Cincho Awards, Global Cheese Awards, among others.
Artisan Sheep Cheese Cured in Resoli “Villarejo” – Three stars
This artisan sheep cheese made with raw milk is immersed in Resoli, the most typical liqueur from Cuenca, and absorbs the aromas of this peculiar liqueur through its rind, which means that, together with the taste of pure artisan cured sheep cheese, make a combination of flavors and spectacular aromas. The jury of the contest describes it:
“Visually striking, this cheese would make a great addition to any cheese board, with a nice contrast between the rind and the paste. The taste is salty, creamy and delicious. The innovative approach using the Resoli liqueur and the 180-day maturation process has given an impressive result. The aroma is strong and translates well to the taste in the mouth. The creaminess in the bite is rich, well balanced, nutty and savory. The salinity is controlled, the flavors well balanced. The concept is well thought out and considered. What an incredible aroma this cheese has. Very round in the mouth, with great depth of flavour, sweet and clean. The texture has just the right amount of crumbliness. We think this is an exceptional cheese.
Artisan Sheep Cheese Cured in Butter and Rosemary “Villarejo Rosemary” – One star
Cured artisan sheep cheese, its natural rind is covered with Iberian pork lard and natural rosemary, its rind covered with lard and natural rosemary give the cheese a peculiar, natural and elegant aroma, with dairy touches combined with the aroma of rosemary, evoking nature. The jury of the contest describes it:
“This impressive looking cheese had a very attractive rosemary layer and a lovely crumbly orange paste, but with a juicy mouthfeel. The aroma of sweet walnuts and rosemary was pleasant on the nose, and the lactic versus rosemary flavor only became more pronounced and interesting closer to the rind. It is a very well made cheese.
The cheese factory opens its doors to visitors
Last July Quesos Villarejo opened its doors for those who would like to discover how some of the best cheeses in the world are made. Within this guided tour, visitors were able to discover all the phases of the cheese-making process, from the reception of the milk, the entire production process, the work carried out in the chambers and enjoy a commented cheese tasting in which, in addition, Participants were informed of the characteristics of the Denomination of Origin Manchego Cheese, and how to know how to differentiate it in the market, as well as various tips on pairings, benefits of the cheese and advice on how to taste and preserve it. Guided tours will resume from September and anyone who wants to enjoy this visit must make a reservation in advance.
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