Azeitão (ah-zay-DONH) is a concentrated round of sheep's milk cheese made with cardoon thistle rather than traditional animal rennet. Azeitão is named for the village where it was born in the foothills of the Arribida mountain range in Portugal. The pastures where the sheep of Azeitão graze are lush and covered in herbaceous scrub, giving the milk its characteristically rich flavor. Molded in cloth, Azeitão has a rustic appearance that adds to its romance. Its texture ranges from soft and unctuous to firm and chewy - cut open the top and scoop its yellow cream onto slabs of nutty bread. Azeitão was awarded name-protection (Denominação de Origem certification, DOP), elevating its stature in Portugal and abroad. If you have never tasted Portuguese cheese before, this is a great starting place! Pair Azeitão with Tempranillo or Albarino.