Cotija

hard · cow milk · Mexico · $

A firm body, with a sharp, bold bite.

Attribute scores

meltability 2/10

sharpness 7/10

creaminess 2/10

firmness 8/10

pungency 4/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Cotija with a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon; for the sharpest, a Tawny Port — tannins (or, for the sharpest examples, Port's sweetness) stand up to the sharp, aged flavor (sharpness 7).

Substitutes for Cotija

Cheese	Why it works
Kefalotyri	similar overall, but more meltability
Grana Padano	similar overall, but more sharpness
Pecorino	similar overall, but more pungency
Roncal cheese	similar overall, but more meltability
Manchego	similar overall, but more meltability
Pecorino Sardo	similar overall, but more meltability