Cremositos del Zújar, absolute winner of the 13th #GourmetQuesos, at the Salon de Gourmets

One of the highlighted events at the Salon de Gourmets, is the #GourmetQuesos, the Best Spanish Cheese Championship  2023, featuring the participation of over 820 cheeses. Following a rigorous selection process that considered aspects such as rind, color, texture, smell, taste, aftertaste, and persistence, only 100 cheeses, five per category, advanced to the final phase.

Cremositos del Zújar, produced by Arteserena in Badajoz, Extremadura in Spain, was crowned as the absolute winner of the 13th GourmetQuesos, Championship of the Best Cheeses in Spain, organized yearly at the Salon de Gourmets, by the Grupo Gourmets. This exceptional cheese is known for its soft and creamy texture, along with its intense flavor that carries a slight tanginess and a delightful fermented profile that melts in the mouth.

A panel of 60 judges, consisting of master cheesemakers, shop managers, bloggers, gastronomic journalists, chefs, purchasing managers from large retailers, and restaurant managers, deliberated to identify the top 60 cheeses, with a selection of three cheeses per each of the twenty pre-established categories.

The flagship product produced by Arteserena/Naturser is the "Cremositos del Zújar," a raw Merino sheep milk cheese, 100% natural and artisanal. It is made using only three ingredients: Merino sheep milk, vegetable rennet (Cynara Cardunculus), and salt, 100% NATURAL, without any additives or preservatives.

Cremositos del Zújar stands out for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, showcasing the expertise and dedication of the cheesemakers at Arteserena. The cheese is made with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a product that has captured the attention and admiration of both the judges and cheese enthusiasts.

As the winner of this prestigious championship, Cremositos del Zújar has proven its excellence among a vast array of cheeses in Spain. Its unique characteristics and remarkable taste have contributed to its well-deserved recognition as the best cheese in the competition. It is a true culinary gem that showcases the rich tradition and innovation present in Spanish cheese-making.

Arteserna is a wonderful story of overcoming difficult times… Arteserena, SL  began producing the prestigious "Cremositos del Zújar" in an artisan factory located in Campanario (Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain) in 1994, as a result of the union of 13 partners, mostly farmers, motivated by the drought that Extremadura was experiencing in those years. They turned to producing milk to compensate for the devaluation of the price of lamb and wool.  In December 2021, Arteserena was awarded the Gold Medal at the international Lyon Cheese Competition,  featuring over 1,000 international cheeses. 

Other Recognitions and award for "Cremositos del Zújar":

• 2013: Lactium Silver and special mention celebrated in Vic.
• 2013-2014: World Cheese Awards Bronze celebrated in Birmingham, UK.
• 2014: Rome Gold Award celebrated in Rome, Italy.
• 2014-2015: World Cheese Awards Gold celebrated in London, UK.
• 2016-2017: World Cheese Awards Super Gold celebrated in San Sebastián.
  • Reached the finals among the top 16 cheeses in the world and achieved the second position as the best cheese in the world among 3,060 different types of cheeses presented in the competition.
  • Best cheese in Spain.
  • Best cheese cake in the world.
• 2017: Gourmet Gold Award celebrated in Madrid.
• 2017: Rome Silver Award celebrated in Rome, Italy.
• 2017-2018: World Cheese Awards Silver celebrated in London, UK.
• 2018: Rome Gold Award celebrated in Rome, Italy.
• 2018-2019: World Cheese Awards Super Gold celebrated in Norway.
• 2019: 1st Prize for Aged Cheese - Alimentos de España awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
• 2019: Special Award for Best Cheese - Alimentos de España awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
• 2020: Coups de Coeur Award for one of the top 10 cheeses at the Salon du Fromage granted by the Salon du Fromage in Paris.
• 2021: World Cheese Awards Gold celebrated in Oviedo, Spain.
• 2021: Gold Medal at the international Lyon Cheese Competition (FR).
• 2022: Gourmet Silver Award celebrated in Madrid (Gourmet Quesos).
• 2023: Special Gourmet Quesos Award for Best Cheese in Spain 2023 celebrated in Madrid (Gourmet Quesos).
• 2023: Gourmet Gold Award celebrated in Madrid (Gourmet Quesos).
• 2023: Gourmet Silver Award (for Mini Cremositos) celebrated in Madrid (Gourmet Quesos).