What is Queso de Murcia? The Wine-Soaked Delight
Queso de Murcia, affectionately known as the ‘Drunken Goat’, is a distinctive and delightful cheese hailing from the Murcia region of Spain. This pasteurized goat’s milk cheese is known for its unique preparation method, where it is soaked and cured in double-fermented red wine.
The result is a pressed, washed, and uncooked cheese that is aged to perfection, boasting a sassy edge from its wine infusion, while retaining a mild and smooth interior. This award-winning cheese is not just a treat to the palate but also a testament to the rich culinary culture of Spain.
Quick Facts About Queso de Murcia
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Murcia, Spain |
| Type of Milk | Goat’s milk |
| Ageing period | Minimum 45 days |
| Texture | Semi-soft, creamy |
| Flavor | Mild, slightly acidic, hint of nuttiness |
| Color | Ivory to pale yellow |
| Shape | Cylindrical |
| Rind | Washed in red wine (Queso de Murcia al Vino) |
| Production method | Artisanal and industrial |
| Pairings | Fruity red wines, crusty bread, olives |
| Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) | Since 1986 |
| Average Weight | 0.8-2.3 kg |
| Diet of Goats | Mediterranean pastures |
| Also Known As | Drunken goat cheese |
| Serving Suggestions | Tapas, in salads, with fruits |
What is Queso de Murcia?
Queso de Murcia, a delightful cheese offering from the vibrant region of Murcia in Spain, is a gastronomic treasure that cheese lovers cherish. Known for its unique production process and exquisite flavor profile, this cheese is made from pasteurized goat’s milk, lending it a distinct taste and texture.
Often referred to as the ‘Drunken Goat’, Queso de Murcia has an intriguing variant – Queso de Murcia al Vino. This particular variety undergoes a special process where the cheese is soaked and cured in double-fermented red wine, creating a tantalizing fusion of flavors.
The cheese hails from the southeastern Spanish region of Murcia, home to the Murciano-Granadina goat breed. The diet of these goats, consisting of the Mediterranean pastures, contributes significantly to the unique flavor profile of the cheese.
Possessing a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Queso de Murcia is a fatty goats’ milk cheese with a rich history and tradition. It is a pressed, washed, uncooked cheese that is aged for a minimum of 45 days for larger cheeses and 30 days for smaller ones.
Whether you’re indulging in the fresco version, which is lightly pressed and not matured, or the curado version, which is aged over five months, the Queso de Murcia promises a remarkable culinary experience. The cheese pairs well with fruity red wines and is perfect for tapas, salads, and fruits.
What Does Queso de Murcia Taste Like?
Queso de Murcia has a mildly sharp, creamy, and slightly acidic flavor profile. As it ages, the cheese develops a subtle hint of nuttiness, which enhances its overall taste.
The variant soaked in red wine, Queso de Murcia al Vino, takes on additional layers of flavor from the wine. The wine gives the cheese a fruity, slightly sweet taste, which beautifully complements the mild tartness of the cheese itself.
The texture of Queso de Murcia is semi-soft and creamy, adding to the overall sensory experience. It melts smoothly in the mouth, leaving a pleasant, lingering aftertaste.
Queso de Murcia Tasting Notes
- Flavor: Mildly sharp with a slightly acidic undertone, Queso de Murcia offers a unique and balanced flavor profile. As it ages, it develops a subtle nuttiness that adds depth to its taste.
- Texture: The texture of this cheese is semi-soft and creamy, which makes it melt smoothly in the mouth.
- Aroma: Queso de Murcia carries a mild, fresh aroma, characteristic of goat’s milk cheeses. The wine-soaked variant has a fruity, wine-like scent.
- Color: The cheese presents an appealing visual aspect with its ivory to pale yellow color. The rind, especially in the wine-soaked variant, has a rich, rosy hue due to the red wine wash.
- Aftertaste: The aftertaste is pleasant and lingering, leaving a hint of creaminess and a touch of acidity on the palate.
- Pairings: This cheese pairs well with fruity red wines, crusty bread, and olives. It can also be used in salads or served alongside fruits for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Queso de Murcia is perfect for tapas, adding a Spanish flair to your appetizer spread. It can also be used in cooking, where it adds a creamy, tangy note to dishes.
10 Best Queso de Murcia Substitutes
| Substitute | Description | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| Manchego | A Spanish sheep’s milk cheese with a similar texture and mild flavor. | Tapas, salads, sandwiches |
| Goat Gouda | A Dutch goat’s milk cheese with a creamy, slightly sweet flavor. | Cheese platters, sandwiches, cooking |
| Chèvre | A French goat’s milk cheese with a tangy, robust flavor. | Salads, sandwiches, cooking |
| Feta | A Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavor. | Salads, pastries, baking |
| Iberico | A Spanish cheese made from a blend of cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk. It has a smooth, buttery flavor. | Tapas, cheese platters, sandwiches |
| Garrotxa | A Catalonian goat’s milk cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. | Cheese platters, salads, cooking |
| Monterey Jack | An American cheese with a mild, creamy flavor and good melting properties. | Cooking, grating over dishes |
| Bucheron | A French goat’s milk cheese with a creamy, tangy flavor. | Cheese platters, sandwiches, salads |
| Pecorino Romano | An Italian sheep’s milk cheese with a salty, sharp flavor. | Grating over pasta, risotto, salads |
| Mild Cheddar | A widely available cheese with a creamy, mild flavor. Good melting properties. | Cooking, sandwiches, cheese platters |
What Pairs Well With Queso de Murcia?
Food that goes well with Queso de Murcia:
| Category | Food Pairing |
|---|---|
| Bread/Biscuits | Baguette, Olive Bread |
| Fruits | Figs, Apples |
| Meats | Chorizo, Jamón Serrano |
| Vegetables | Olives, Roasted Red Peppers |
| Nuts & Seeds | Marcona Almonds, Walnuts |
| Condiments & Spreads | Quince Paste (Membrillo), Fig Jam |
| Seafood | Anchovies, Grilled Shrimp |
| Pasta & Grains | Paella, Risotto |
| Herbs & Spices | Basil, Oregano |
Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
Beverage that goes well with Queso de Murcia:
| Category | Beverage Pairing |
|---|---|
| Wine | Rioja, Cava, Tempranillo |
| Beer | Spanish Lager, Belgian Ale, Craft IPA |
| Spirits | Brandy, Amontillado Sherry |
| Non-Alcoholic | Sparkling Water, Apple Cider, Grape Juice |
Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide
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