Manchego? Yes there is Manchego in Spain, but there is also Cabrales, Mahon, Idiazabal and many more. Cow, sheep and goat´s milk cheeses – you name it Spain has it!
Barcelona
Formatgeria la Seu
More than just a cheese store the Formatgeria la Seu, situated in a former butter-making factory on Carrer de la Dagueria, 16 in Barcelonas Gothic Quarter offers tastings from 10-6pm. If you drop in spontaneously you can have a small one or better pre-book your spot for more time to enjoy. [googlemaps]
LLET CRUA
Right next to the market hall Mercat de Sants Maria Carroll and Xevi Miró run their *Llet Crua* specialized in artisan cheeses from Catalonia, Spain and some other parts of Europe with all their energy and passion. They believe in small scale production and the strength of raw milk. When in Barcelona make sure to stop by and have enough time in your bag. They do have a tasting room! [googlemaps]
Madrid
Poncelet Punto Selecto Quesos
If you thought the only way to get your hands on cheese in Madrid was to dive into a tapas bar and hope for some queso goodies you haven´t set foot in the Poncelet Punto Selecto Quesos on Calle Argensola, 27. Around since 2004, the masterminds behind this shop also opened their own ripening place “La cueva” where they ripen every cheese to perfection. In the store you can pick a basket and wander around the magnificent display of different cheeses from all over Europe .[googlemaps]
My advice is to not go there hungry or you might well bust your budget. If you want to make sure that this doesn´t happen , first check into their cheese bar restaurant on Calle José Abascal, 61 near the Gregorio Maranón subway station to fill up your stomache. [googlemaps]
