Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese?

Aromes au Gene de Marc is a Saint-Marcellin cured in marc brandy for a month or more. The base is a small soft cow's milk cheese from the Dauphine area of the Rhone-Alpes, and the brandy cure is what gives this version its punch.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (cured a month or more in marc brandy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese (strong), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese reads as strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese offers fermented, pungent, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. Aging plays into this as well. Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese at cured a month or more in marc brandy develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese reads as strong while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese is typically aged cured a month or more in marc brandy, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese reads as strong, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese leans fermented, pungent, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese made of?

Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged cured a month or more in marc brandy. It originates in France.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Aromes au Gene de Marc Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.