Aged Manchego: The Star of Your February Cheeseboard + Perfect Pairings
When it comes to crafting a show-stopping cheeseboard, one ingredient can take your spread from good to unforgettable: aged Manchego cheese.
From the wilderness of central Spain this classic is a must-have for cheese lovers. It has a tasty, nutty depth, slightly crystalline texture, and the perfect balance of butteriness and sharpness. Flavor and texture sharpens with age.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, curating a romantic date night, or indulging in a cozy night in, Manchego provides the ideal foundation for a well-balanced and visually stunning winter cheeseboard.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes aged Manchego special, the best pairings to enhance its flavor, and how to build a cheeseboard that impresses your guests. Plus, we’ll share our favorite Amazon finds to help you perfect your cheeseboard presentation.
Why Aged Manchego Deserves a Spot on Your Cheeseboard
Manchego is a firm sheep’s milk cheese that hails from Spain’s La Mancha region, It has a distinctive herringbone-patterned rind (it's very pretty but sadly not edible) and a golden, slightly crumbly interior. While young Manchego is creamy and mild, aged versions (12 months or longer) develop a rich nuttiness, hints of caramel, and a complex umami depth that make it an excellent centerpiece for a elevated cheese and charcuterie board.
Aged Manchego is a versatile cheese that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Its nutty-salty flavor profile makes it a great match for citrus fruits, nuts, wine, and even spiced preserves.
Ready to put together a cheeseboard that highlights aged Manchego’s bold flavors? Let’s talk about the best pairings to elevate your next cheese and wine night.
Perfect Pairings for Aged Manchego
1. Kishu Mandarins & Blood Oranges
One of the best ways to balance Manchego’s saltiness and nuttiness is by adding a pop of juicy, vibrant citrus. Kishu mandarins and blood oranges are both in peak season here in California during February, making them the perfect pairing for a late-winter cheeseboard.
- Kishu Mandarins – These tiny, seedless mandarins are incredibly sweet and effortless to peel, making them an easy-to-enjoy addition to your spread. Their natural acidity and juicy brightness contrast beautifully with Manchego’s aged richness.
- Blood Oranges – With their deep red flesh and subtle berry-like notes, blood oranges bring a unique depth to the cheeseboard while complementing Manchego’s buttery, caramelized finish.
How to Serve: Arrange peeled Kishu mandarins and sliced blood oranges alongside Manchego wedges for a vibrant, fresh pairing.
2. Red Walnuts
If you’ve never tried red walnuts, now is the time! These naturally vibrant nuts have a slightly sweeter, milder flavor compared to regular walnuts, making them an excellent match for aged Manchego’s nutty depth.
- Why it Works: Red walnuts enhance Manchego’s earthy, buttery notes while adding an inviting crunchy texture that balances the cheese’s creamy interior.
- Hosting Tip: Lightly toast the walnuts in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor - keep an eye on them though they toast quicker in a fan oven!
How to Serve: Scatter a handful of toasted red walnuts across your cheeseboard for an added layer of crunch and pop of color.
3. Pinot Noir
A great cheeseboard isn’t complete without the perfect wine pairing. Pinot Noir is a top choice for Manchego because of its light body, silky tannins, and fruit-forward notes that highlight the cheese’s caramel undertones.
- Why Pinot Noir? Manchego’s aged complexity pairs beautifully with a Pinot Noir’s red fruit flavors (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) and subtle spice.
- Hosting Tip: Serve Pinot Noir slightly chilled (55-60°F) to enhance its smooth, velvety finish.
How to Serve: Pour a glass of Pinot Noir alongside your cheeseboard for an elegant tasting experience.
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4. Tomato Confit
Aged Manchego pairs exceptionally well with sweet and savory preserves, but one of our favorite unexpected pairings is tomato confit.
- Why it Works: Slow-infused with lime and ginger, this confit brings a warm, subtly spiced sweetness that enhances Manchego’s nutty profile.
- Pro Tip: Spread tomato confit on a toasted baguette slice, then top it with a shaving of aged Manchego for the ultimate bite.
How to Serve: Serve our small batch tomato confit in a small ramekin alongside Manchego slices and fresh bread.
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5. D’Anjou Pears
For a soft, floral contrast, D’Anjou pears are the perfect match for Manchego’s bold intensity.
- Why it Works: The natural sweetness and crisp texture of pears provide a refreshing contrast to Manchego’s dense, rich bite.
- Hosting Tip: Slice pears thinly and fan them out around your cheese for a visually appealing presentation.
How to Serve: Pair Manchego and pear slices with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
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How to Build the Perfect Manchego Cheeseboard
Want to create a stunning Manchego cheeseboard for your next gathering? Follow these simple steps:
Choose Your Base: Use a beautiful wooden board or slate platter for an elegant presentation.
Add Manchego: Cut thin triangles or bite-sized cubes for easy serving.
Incorporate Pairings: Arrange citrus, nuts, wine, tomato confit, and pears strategically around the cheese.
Use Different Textures: Add crackers, honey, and fresh herbs to bring variety and visual appeal.
Serve at Room Temperature: Let Manchego sit for 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Why Aged Manchego is a Cheeseboard Essential
With its bold flavor, rich texture, and endless pairing possibilities, aged Manchego is a must-have for any cheeseboard. When you’re hosting a gathering these curated pairings will bring out the best in this iconic Spanish cheese.
What’s your favorite Manchego pairing? Let us know in the comments!
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