Dairy

Castelo Branco

Castelo Branco is a soft to semi-soft sheep’s-milk cheese from Beira Baixa in central Portugal, set with cardoon thistle rennet. The paste ranges from creamy and amanteigado when young to firmer and more sliceable with age—flavours of butter, light acidity, thistle bitterness, and clean sheep milk with a rustic, slightly earthy finish. Wheels are medium-sized with a thin natural rind. Spoon or spread young cheese on warm bread; slice older wheels for boards with Beira wines and smoked sausages. PDO production covers defined communes around Castelo Branco city. Thistle rennet is essential to its identity—animal-rennet soft sheep cheeses taste smoother but lack the characteristic floral bite. Serve cool-room warm for full aroma.

Also known as: Castelo Branco Amanteigado