Blue Valdeon

One of the great blues of Europe, this Spanish cheese is produced in the Picos de Europa Mountains, namely the valley of Valdeón. The smooth and creamy Valdeón blue cheese is made from either pure cow's milk or a combination of cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk.

It is matured for about 45-60 days and sold wrapped in sycamore maple or chestnut leaves. Although it has all the character of a blue and a very intense, piquant flavor, Valdeón's bite is not as strong as the one in most other blue cheeses. It is best paired with sherry and young, fresh white wines, which offer a good counterpoint to Valdeón's richness and pungency.