Artisan cheeses: a guide to choosing, pairing, and buying them online

Spain is a land of artisan cheeses, with flavors ranging from creamy to intense and aged, capable of winning over any palate. In this guide, we share tips on how to choose that perfect cheese, how to enjoy them, and where to buy them online to put together the perfect board at home. Plus, with World Cheese Day approaching, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the flavors of our cheesemaking tradition with current products selected by D'12 Gourmet.

The richness of Spanish cheeses: tradition, flavor, and where to find them.

Spain is a paradise for cheese lovers, with over 150 artisan varieties and centuries of cheesemaking tradition that can be tasted in every bite. Each type of milk brings its own character and history:

• Sheep's milk: Intense and full of character. A PDO Manchego never fails, but if you want to leave your guests speechless, try El Abuelo from Ruperto cheeses. Artisan, from Murcia, and full of personality. Can you ask for more?
• Cow's milk: Smooth and creamy, such as smoked cheeses like Don Crisanto PDO San Simón Da Costa, perfect for surprising people at breakfast or adding a gourmet touch to your sandwiches.
• Goat's milk: Aromatic with lactic nuances that keep you coming back for more. Among our favorites—and those of many others—is El Hechizo from La Zarcillera, awarded as the best goat cheese in the world in 2025. A cheese from Murcia that leaves no one indifferent.

Pairings: how to accompany cheese and not miss (even once)

Cheese on its own works… but when you pair it well, things get serious. There are no strict rules here, but there are combinations that never fail and can turn any board into an event that lasts longer than intended.

• Vermouth (we’re on home turf here): If there is a marriage that never fails and gains more fans every day, this is it. Vermouth, with its herbal, bitter, and slightly sweet notes, pairs perfectly with creamy, refined cheeses or those with special touches like honey or nuts.
  
  It’s easy, it’s fresh, and it turns any appetizer into a serious plan without you even realizing it.
  
• Wines: The most intense and aged cheeses call for something with body: a red with character or an oaked white that can keep up the pace. On the other hand, the creamiest and mildest ones go great with fresh, fruity, or sparkling whites that cleanse the palate and prepare you for the next bite.
• Nuts and fruit: This is one of the combos that never fails. Walnuts, almonds, or fresh fruit add texture and contrast, enhancing the cheese's nuances. Especially with creamier cheeses or those with a sweet touch, where the contrast becomes truly addictive.
• Honey, quince paste, and jams: If you like to play around, this is where the fun begins. The classic quince paste is always a success, but when you add jams or honey, the cheese changes completely. Suddenly, you have a sweet, creamy, and characterful bite where you can't tell if it's dessert or an appetizer… and it doesn't matter either.

Choosing the perfect pairing can enhance the flavors of the cheese and make the gastronomic experience even more special.

How to build a cheese board and make sure not a single piece is left

It's not about putting all the cheeses you have at home on a board and crossing your fingers. A good board isn't about quantity; it's about knowing how to choose. With 4 or 5 well-thought-out cheeses, you can put together something that keeps people from leaving the table.

You don't need to put out ten cheeses to impress. With four well-chosen ones… it's more than enough.

If you want to get it right, this is the move:

• Start mild (but interesting): Something creamy that gets the game started without saturating. A Retorta de Pascualete or an "El Hechizo" type cheese are perfect for this: it’s easy to eat and leaves you wanting more.
• Continue with something balanced: A semi-cured cheese that has flavor but doesn't take over everything. Here, a good cheese from Quesos Saleta works perfectly to maintain the rhythm.

• Level up with character: This is where the board starts to have a conversation. A PDO Murcia Wine Cheese from Tío Resti adds that different note that makes people raise an eyebrow (and reach for more).
• Include a game-changer: The unexpected touch: something with personality. Those from Quesos Cerrón with nuts, honey, or paprika are that twist that turns a normal board into something memorable.

And if you want the perfect finish… Add one more intense cheese to close, like an aged or vintage one. It's not mandatory, but if you include it, it's the perfect ending.

👉 And now, the important part:
Good bread, something crunchy… and a cold vermouth. You don't need anything else.

💡 D'12 Tip: if there is cheese left when you finish the board… something went wrong.

Where to buy artisan cheeses online (and get it right)

If you've made it this far, you already know: not all cheeses are the same. And once you try a truly good one… there's no going back.

At D'12 Gourmet we select artisan cheeses from different parts of Spain, from the classics to those with that unique edge that gets you hooked. Creamy, aged, refined cheeses or those with surprising combinations, all designed to make building a good board at home easy… and dangerous (because it flies off the table).

You will also find packs and boxes designed to be a sure hit without complicating things, whether you want to treat yourself or are looking for a meaningful gift.

👉 The important thing:
It's not about having many cheeses, but about having the ones that are truly worth it.

So now it’s easy: choose well, cut some bread, serve some drinks… and let the cheese do the rest.

The cheese is just an excuse. The real plan is everything that comes after—simply vermouth & good vibes.