| Country of Origin | France |
| Region | Midi-Pyrénées & Aquitaine |
| Age | 2 to 24 months (Best at around 5 months) |
| Classification | Hard |
| Milk | Raw sheep’s milk (Ewe) |
| Producer | Various |
| Weight and shape | 5 kg (10 lb), Round |
| Fat content | 45% |
| Size | Diameter 32.5 cm (13 inches), Height 7.5 cm (3 inches) |
| Aroma | Pleasant, fresh |
| Taste | Mild, sweet and nutty when young; sharper with age |
| Pairing | Fruity red (young), full-bodied red (matured). Jam, honey, walnuts |
| Texture | Firm and supple paste |
| Color | Pale yellow, orange |
Ardi-Gasna is a Basque language which means “sheep’s cheese.” It comes to no surprise that this hard cheese is made from the milk of ewes grazing on the rich alpine pastures high in the Pyrenees.
Though this cheese is available all year-round, locals suggest that it is best consume during Spring and Summer as the milk is enriched by abundance of mountain spring grasses and flowers (which ultimately gives the cheese a more robust flavor).
The cheese is at its finest when a slight nutty taste develops around in the fifth month.
Ardi-Gasna Tasting Notes
It grows stronger and more robust with age and has a perfect contrast between mild and sharp. Nevertheless, even the youngest of Ardi-Gasna have a unique, nutty taste with a fresh and pleasant aroma.
How to Enjoy (PAIRING)
Serve this cheese with flavored jam, honey, walnuts on a cheese board or with green and/or fruit salads.
Pair matured Ardi-Gasna (more than 5 months) with full-bodied red wine such and young cheese with fruity red wine.
Our favorite Raspberry jam to go along with Ardi-Gasna:
- Easy to spread, enjoy this preserve on toast, biscuits, muffins, cheese, pastries or even as a cake filling. Pairs well with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Brie, or Cream Cheeses.
- Ingredients: Sugar, Raspberries, Gelling Agent: Citrus Pectin; Acidity Regulator: Sodium Citrate. Gluten free, made in a nut free factory, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
- 12 ounce jar.
- The Wilkin family has been farming in Tiptree, Essex, since 1757, and making quality preserves since 1885. Majority of the fruit used in Tiptree jars are grown on their own farm, ensuring fruit is hand picked with care at the most optimal time.
Where to Buy Ardi-Gasna:
- Formaggio Kitchen – $35.95 per lb
More Cheeses from France:
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API