Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Caciottone di Norcia Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind and made from cow and sheep milk.
What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?
Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.
What Is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Caciottone di Norcia is a cheese from Italy, specifically recognized as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. It is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter of 20-22 cm and a heel height of 9-11 cm, weighing approximately
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Cow's milk and sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind)
- Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Thin, smooth, and washed)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Caciottone di Norcia Cheese (Fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Caciottone di Norcia Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Valnerina Area In The Province Of Perugia, Including The Municipalities Of Norcia, Cascia, Monteleone Di Spoleto, Preci, And Poggiodomo |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind |
| Rind | White mold | Thin, smooth, and washed |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese brings fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Caciottone di Norcia Cheese's milk, warmed milk, and/or melted butter. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese leans toward cream. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Caciottone di Norcia Cheese at 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Caciottone di Norcia Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese brings fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind profile, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese fits dishes calling for fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Caciottone di Norcia Cheese uses cow and sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Caciottone di Norcia Cheese 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is fragrant and aromatic with a creamy aftertaste. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is closer to milk, warmed milk, and/or melted butter.
What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?
Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Caciottone di Norcia Cheese made of?
Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 20 to 365 days, depending on ripening type.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Caciottone di Norcia Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Caciottone di Norcia Cheese is soft and buttery, becoming firmer closer to the rind.