Ossau-Iraty or Esquirrou[3] is produced in south-western France, in the Northern Basque Country and in Béarn.

Its name reflects its geographical location, the Ossau Valley in Béarn and the Irati Forest in the Basque Country.

It is one of three sheep's milk cheeses granted AOC status in France (the others are Roquefort and Brocciu).

[5] Production techniques are very much in the essence of old world methods whereby the sheep still graze mountain pastures.

[6][7] Historically, production has been: According to the official description, the cheese crust is yellow-orange to gray, and the body color ranges from white to cream depending on how it has been matured.