Vidiago
Vidiago is unusual among the cheeses of the region. That region being the border between Cantabria and the famous Asturian blue cheese making area of the Picos de Europa.
While Spain (and Asturias) does make a lot of semi-soft cheeses, I find Vidiago to be rather unique. It is a sort of cheese I associate more with Germany or Wisconsin. As a matter of fact, the first thing I thought of when I tried Vidiago was the Butterkäse I liked so much both in its original and Wisconsin expressions.
Where Is It From?
Vidiago is a parish of Llanes conceyu, in the East of Asturias. Nestled between the imperious Picos de Europa mountain range and the jagged cliffs of the Bay of Biscay lies a land of lush green fields where the native asturiana de los valles cows graze within earshot of the breaking waves.
The town of Vidiago itself is small - about 100 people live there. Almost all are employed in cheese-making, either directly or in support. Two other towns in the parish - Puertas and Riego - also are deeply involved in the local cheese industry.
How Vidiago Is Made
Queso Vidiago is a 100% pasteurized cow's milk cheese. Gently pressed and aged for 90 days.
History
Baltasar Collera began making cheese in Llanes conceyu in 1940. His descendants still run their quesería there, and offer tours and tastings as well as mail order.
The fame Baltasar's cheese found in street markets in Villaviciosa and Oviedo led to a local explosion in cheese-making. Today there are four full-blown cheese factories in Vidiago, as well as several smaller farmstead cheese-makers. And, of course, the dairy farms necessary to keep up with the demand.
Uses For Vidiago
Common Uses: This is prime 'cheese and crackers' cheese here. It is really hard not to eat a whole lot of this one in one sitting.
How I Use It: I eat it on sandwiches. Or on crackers. I slice it and eat it all by itself. It makes a ridiculously good grilled cheese sandwich. Basically, if you would use Gouda or Muenster, you can use Vidiago instead.
Where To Find Vidiago
Without a doubt, the best way to get your Vidiago fix is to head straight to the source. The villages of Puertas, Vidiago, and Riego all have cheese factories to buy from and many are open for tours as well.
Despaña carries mini wheels of Vidiago cheese and ships throughout the United States.
