A traditional unpasteurised ewes’ milk cheese from a historic Spanish estate (Dehesa de Los Llanos) has been named World Champion 2012 after wowing judges at the World Cheese Awards in Birmingham http://www.finefoodworld.co.uk/downloads/wca12_major_winners.pdf

The Manchego DO Gran Reserva, from Dehesa de Los Llanos (TECHeese partner) in the province of Albacete, becomes the first champion from mainland Spain in two decades of the international award scheme.

Chosen from among over 2,700 British and international cheeses, the Manchego was described by this year’s final judging panel as “a stunning cheese – light, with high notes like a choral song and an aromatic, long finish”. In all, 255 judges from around the world took part in the awards, staged alongside the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC.

Of the 2,781 cheeses judged, 55 cheeses were awarded Super Gold medals – the full list of award winners is available from http://www.finefoodworld.co.uk/