Cabrales Auction: What You Need to Know Before You Bid

If you love strong, tangy cheese, a Cabrales auction can feel like treasure hunting. This guide walks you through the basics – where to find auctions, how to read listings, and the best ways to protect your purchase. No jargon, just practical steps you can use right now.

Where to Find a Cabrales Auction

First stop: online auction platforms that specialize in gourmet foods. Sites like GourmetBid and FoodCollectibles list weekly cheese sales, and you’ll often see a "Cabrales" tag. Don’t ignore local cheese clubs or farmer’s markets; they sometimes host mini‑auctions for regional producers. Sign up for newsletters – they usually announce upcoming sales a few days ahead.

Reading the Listing Like a Pro

When a Cabrales lot appears, check three things: age, provenance, and condition. Age matters because a two‑year‑old wheel tastes different from a fresh one. Provenance tells you if the cheese comes straight from a certified dairy in Asturias – that’s a quality guarantee. Condition means the rind isn’t cracked and the interior isn’t dry. If any detail is missing, ask the seller before you bid.

Pricing can be confusing, but a good rule of thumb is to compare the asking price with recent sales. A typical 5‑kg wheel sells for £80‑£120, depending on age. If the lot is significantly cheaper, double‑check authenticity – cheap copies flood the market.

Set a maximum bid before the auction starts. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overpay. Write down your limit and stick to it. Remember, you can always buy another wheel later if this one doesn’t meet your expectations.

When the auction ends, the seller will arrange shipping. Choose a service that offers temperature‑controlled transport, especially for large wheels. Ask for insurance – cheese is edible, but a broken wheel is a loss.

Once the cheese arrives, give it a quick visual check. The rind should be firm but not moldy beyond the natural blue veins. If anything looks off, contact the seller within 24 hours; most reputable platforms have a return policy for damaged goods.

Storing Cabrales properly keeps the flavor alive. Wrap the wheel in cheese paper or a breathable cloth, then place it in a cool, humid spot – ideally 12‑14 °C with 85% humidity. If you don’t have a cellar, a dedicated cheese fridge works well. Let the cheese sit for a day or two after delivery to let the flavors settle.

Serving tips: cut thin slices with a cheese wire, and let them sit at room temperature for 20‑30 minutes before tasting. Pair with sweet wines like Pedro Ximénez or a robust red like Rioja. A drizzle of honey or a few walnuts can balance the sharpness.

Finally, enjoy the experience. Buying a wheel at an auction connects you to the farmers who tend the caves in Asturias. It’s more than just cheese – it’s a piece of culture you get to taste.