Queso Manchego PDO is Spain's most famous cheese, made only in the La Mancha region from the milk of Manchega sheep and pressed in the distinctive zig-zag-patterned rind. Aged from a few months to over a year, it ranges from mild to intensely nutty.
The imitation is any ‘manchego-style’ cheese — often made elsewhere or from cow's milk. The genuine one carries the La Mancha PDO casein label.