Manex Tête Noire Lamb

The Manex Tête Noire sheep, nicknamed “the conquering princess of the Basque mountains,” is the most rustic of the four sheep breeds found in the French Basque Country (the others being the latxa cara negra, the manex tête rousse, and the latxa cara rubia) and has been an integral part of the Vallée des Aldudes landscape for centuries. Like the more numerous tête rousse, the tête noire originated in Asia and was perhaps imported by the Arabs. Unlike other Pyrenean breeds, over time it has not been crossed with Merino sheep.
The sheep’s presence in the Basque Country is closely linked to the ancient tradition of transhumance, the seasonal migration of livestock. Every year in early spring, the flocks are taken up to the highest pastures of the Pyrenees. This medium-sized breed is characterized by black legs and face, a thick coat of wool, and long, spiral-shaped horns, and is farmed primarily for its milk, which is used in cheesemaking.
For the small-scale sheep farmers, however, the sale of the lambs, mostly born between December and March, provides an important supplement to the family income, especially in the areas around Garazi-Baigorri, Iholdi-Oztibarre, and Soule. The lambs grow up in an unspoiled environment and feed only on their mothers’ milk. Their slightly rosy meat is delicate and tender. The lamb is traditionally served during the Easter period, the legs roasted in the oven and the other cuts used in stews.