The cheese of Montsec

Clua, the cradle of this dairy

Clua is an ancient population center of Artesa de Segre built at the foot of a granite wall and in the middle of the Montsec, between the Valley of Ariete and Baldomar and left the canyon Clua or Catarena.

This has always been a core with a low population density. In 1718 were 17 people and in 1849 lived 33 neighbors. But in the early 1960s Clua completely depopulated.

However, it took a few years and returned to be inhabited. In the 1970s a group of young people took up residence in the abandoned village.

These, over time, they realized that the main economic activity of the municipality was oriented towards the development of artisanal goat cheese.

This is because young people had no knowledge of agriculture, nor possessed of tools and instruments when they arrived ... and they were very difficult to maintain the crops and livestock planned. Except goats, which were the only animals that died not and neither ate nor eagles weasels, as was, however, with the chickens.

Given the scenario described, they decided to orient the economy based on these animals and raw material offered them to make cheese population.

Currently, Clua remains one of the leading producers of cheese Montsec. I

Soft Clua

The rudimentary and self cheese making by young Clua generated unique cheeses, which can be enjoyed today and are an example of harmonious balance between tradition and modernity. The Soft Clau has also been made ​​with raw goat milk but matured between 60 and 90 days, possibly for this reason, their pasta stands out as semi hard .

Its flavor is intense and incisive with some aromas of dried fruits and smell reminiscent of a rainforest.

The Montsec and products

The area of production of cheese Montsec is located east of the mountains in Artesa de Segre and Tòrrec, and extends to the Pallars Jussà, specifically in Basturs within the municipality of Isona i Conca Dellà .

The setting of the saw has given these productions a unique and special nuances. As for the cheese Basturs offers a great variety in the range of artisanal goat cheeses and products Delicatessen. You can visit the workshop and the farm and tastings of products.

In Tòrrec, production of goat milk is varied in fresh products such as cottage cheese or recuit and fresh cheeses.

Ecological conditions Montsec therefore very suitable for the production of milk that allows the development of long-life product so appreciated, cheese.

In addition to cheese, Montsec allows the manufacture of other products, for example, wines with DO Costers del Segre or honey cuisine.

A sample of their products can be found at the Crafts Fair held annually in early December, in the town of Ager .

This fair hosts artisan producers of pates, sausages, honey, cheese, etc. and is a good opportunity to taste them, but these products can also be found in some of the letters of the restaurants in the region.