The Best Spanish Cheeses to Buy in the UK (2026)
Our picks of Manchego and other Spanish cheeses available in the UK: best first Manchego, best for a board, best blue and best gift.
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We looked for cheeses with a clear PDO or origin, sold in formats that travel well, and available in the UK today. Cheese ships chilled: check delivery options and refrigerate on arrival.
Our top picks
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Best first Manchego
PDO Queso ManchegoManchego PDO 6 months aged (curado)
Everyday, first Manchego
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Best for a cheese board
PDO Queso ManchegoManchego PDO 12 months aged (reserve)
Cheese boards, wine nights
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Best gift
Assorted Spanish cheesesSpanish cheese hamper: Manchego, rosemary and Ibérico cheeses with membrillo
Gifts, Christmas
At a glance
| Product | Grade | Origin | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchego PDO 6 months aged (curado)LalolaGourmet | PDO Queso Manchego | La Mancha | Everyday, first Manchego | Check price |
| Manchego PDO 12 months aged (reserve)LalolaGourmet | PDO Queso Manchego | La Mancha | Cheese boards, wine nights | Check price |
| El Quijote dulce de membrillo (quince paste)El Quijote | Quince paste | Córdoba, Spain | Every cheese board | Check price |
| Spanish cheese selection: Manchego, Ibérico and goat, 32 ready-cut wedges (400 g)LalolaGourmet | Assorted Spanish cheeses | Spain | Parties, quick boards | Check price |
| Idiazábal PDO wood-smoked sheep's cheese (1 kg)Idiazábal | PDO Idiazábal | Basque Country | Boards, cheese lovers | Check price |
| Spanish cheese hamper: Manchego, rosemary and Ibérico cheeses with membrilloCheese Lovers | Assorted Spanish cheeses | Spain | Gifts, Christmas | Check price |
Best first Manchego: 6-month curado
Manchego PDO 6 months aged (curado)
LalolaGourmet · La Mancha · Wedge
The all-rounder: firm but still buttery, nutty without being sharp. Good on a board and in a sandwich.
Why we like it
- Versatile middle age
Best for wine and boards: 12-month Manchego
Manchego PDO 12 months aged (reserve)
LalolaGourmet · La Mancha · Wedge
Twelve months gives Manchego its nutty, caramel depth and a crumbly bite. The one to serve if you want people to ask 'which cheese is this?'.
Why we like it
- PDO: real Manchega sheep milk
Keep in mind
- Too firm for sandwiches
Manchego’s best friend: membrillo
El Quijote dulce de membrillo (quince paste)
El Quijote · Córdoba, Spain · Block
Manchego's classic partner: a thin slice of quince paste on a piece of cheese. Sweet, floral, a little tart.
Party shortcut: ready-cut selection
Spanish cheese selection: Manchego, Ibérico and goat, 32 ready-cut wedges (400 g)
LalolaGourmet · Spain · 400 g, pre-cut
A ready-cut tapas platter: open, arrange, done. Handy for parties.
Why we like it
- No cutting needed
Keep in mind
- Pre-cut dries faster once opened
Smoky and Basque: Idiazábal
Idiazábal PDO wood-smoked sheep's cheese (1 kg)
Idiazábal · Basque Country · 1 kg piece
The Basque shepherds' cheese, raw sheep's milk and lightly smoked. Deep, buttery and a little smoky — a great contrast to Manchego.
Why we like it
- Distinctive smoky flavour
Keep in mind
- Large piece: share it
Best gift: Spanish cheese hamper
Spanish cheese hamper: Manchego, rosemary and Ibérico cheeses with membrillo
Cheese Lovers · Spain · Gift hamper
A ready-made Spanish board in a box, with quince paste. An easy, good gift.
Buying tips
- Look for “D.O.P.” / “PDO” and “Manchega sheep’s milk”. “Manchego-style” is not Manchego. → How to spot the real thing
- Buy wedges you’ll finish in 2–3 weeks; a whole wheel only for a party.
- Add quince paste and almonds and you have a board. → Spanish cheese board