Artisan Cheeses: A Guide to Choosing, Pairing, and Buying Them Online

Spain is a land of artisanal cheeses, with flavors ranging from creamy to intense and aged, capable of conquering any palate. In this guide, we'll tell you the tricks to choose that perfect cheese, how to enjoy them, and where to buy them online to assemble the perfect cheese board at home. Additionally, as World Cheese Day approaches, we're celebrating 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 artisanal varieties and centuries of cheesemaking tradition evident in every bite. Each type of milk brings its character and history:

• Sheep's milk: Intense and full of character. Manchego PDO never disappoints, but if you want to amaze your guests, try El Abuelo from Ruperto cheeses. Artisanal, from Murcia, and bursting with personality. What more could you ask for?
• Cow's milk: Smooth and creamy, like smoked cheeses such as Don Crisanto PDO San Simón Da Costa, perfect for surprising at breakfast or adding a gourmet touch to your sandwiches.
• Goat's milk: Aromatic with milky nuances that make you come back for more. Among our favorites, and already 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 never fail

Cheese alone works... but when you pair it well, things get serious. There are no strict rules here, but there are combinations that never fail and that can turn any board into a plan that stretches out longer than expected.

• Vermouth (we're playing at home here): If there's one marriage that never fails and is gaining more and more fans, it's this one. Vermouth, with its herbal, bitter, and slightly sweet notes, pairs incredibly well with creamy, aged, or specially flavored cheeses like honey or nuts.
  
  It's easy, it's fresh, and it turns any aperitif into a serious plan without you even realizing it.
  
• Wines: The most intense and aged cheeses call for something full-bodied: a red with character or an oak-aged white that can keep up. In contrast, creamier and milder ones go perfectly with fresh, fruity whites or sparkling wines that cleanse the palate and prepare you for the next bite.
• Nuts and fruit: Here's one of the combos that never fails. Walnuts, almonds, or fresh fruit add texture and contrast, making the cheese richer in nuances. Especially with creamier cheeses or those with a sweet touch, where the contrast becomes pure addiction.
• Honey, quince paste, and jams: If you like to play, this is where the fun begins. Classic quince paste is still a hit, but when you venture into jams or honeys, the cheese changes completely. Suddenly you have a sweet, creamy, and characterful bite that you don't know if it's dessert or an appetizer... and it doesn't even matter.

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

How to assemble a cheese board and not have a single piece left over

This isn't about putting out all the cheeses you have at home 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 assemble something that will keep people at the table.

You don't need to put out ten cheeses to impress. With four well-chosen ones... that's plenty.

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

• Start soft (but interesting): Something creamy that opens the game without overwhelming. A Retorta de Pascualete or a Hechizo-type cheese are perfect for this: easy to get into and leaves you wanting more.
• Continue with something balanced: A semi-cured cheese that has flavor but doesn't overpower everything. Here, a good cheese from Quesos Saleta works perfectly to maintain the pace.

• Elevate the level with character: This is where the board starts to speak. A Murcia al vino PDO cheese from Tío Resti adds that different touch that makes people raise an eyebrow (and ask for more).
• Add one that breaks the mold: 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 to finish it off… A more intense cheese to finish, like a cured or aged one. It's not mandatory, but if you do it right, it's the perfect ending.

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

💡 D'12 Tip: If there's cheese left on the board when you're done… something went wrong.

Where to buy artisan cheeses online (and not fail in the attempt)

If you've made it this far, you already know: not all cheeses are created equal. And when 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 most classic to those with that special touch that hooks you. Creamy, cured, refined cheeses or those with surprising combinations, designed to make assembling a good board at home easy... and dangerous (because it disappears quickly).

You'll also find packs and boxes designed to hit the mark without overcomplicating things, whether you want to treat yourself or are looking for a meaningful gift.

👉 The important thing:
It's not about having a lot of cheeses, but about having the ones that are really worth it.

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

Cheese is an excuse. The plan is everything that comes after, simply vermouth & good vibes.