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Denomination of Origin
The Denomination of Origin "Queso Manchego" is within the largest natural region of Spain, located in the centre of the Iberian peninsula, with its northernmost point is at 50 kms. from Madrid. It has an area of 35.000 km2 with a maximum distance of about 300 kms from east to west and some 200km from north to south.
Geologically the land altitude is between 650 and 800 metres above sea level. It boasts an extreme climate with temperatures above 50ºC; clear skies 80% of the year, scarce rainfall (375 millimetres annually) and irregular and variable winds.
The remaining harvests of cereal crops and vegetables are fed to the "manchcega" sheep. Within this region exists a great variety of vivacious plants fundamental in the feeding of the "manchega" sheep and which are specific to this area, in addition to other more aromatic plant species which influence significantly the composition of the milk.
The regulations imposed on Manchego cheese with denomination of origin specifies that only milk obtained from "manchega" sheep can be used in the preparation of the cheese. The "manchega" sheep comes from a breed which allows it an aptitude for both the production of milk and meat. Two varieties are recognised within this breed; white and black. The former makes up more than 90% of the breed. It produces a stock of 100 litres per animal per year with a marked reduction in production coinciding with the months of April, May and June.
Regulatory Council for the Origin Control of "Manchego" Cheese.
