Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Graviera Agrafon Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese is compact and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Graviera Agrafon is made in the Agrafa region of Greece. It's a hard cheese from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Aged for at least five months, it develops a sweet and fruity flavor, slightly nutty with a dense texture, ideal for grating or frying as saganaki.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
- Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%))
- Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Compact)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (3 months)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Graviera Agrafon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Agrafa, Thessaly |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%) |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Compact |
| Rind | White mold | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | 3 months |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Graviera Agrafon Cheese's rich. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese leans toward rich aroma, small round holes, sweet taste. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Graviera Agrafon Cheese at 3 months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Graviera Agrafon 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 compact. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Graviera Agrafon Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Graviera Agrafon 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 compact profile, Graviera Agrafon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese comes from Greece. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Graviera Agrafon Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Graviera Agrafon Cheese 3 months.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Graviera Agrafon Cheese is closer to rich.
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 Graviera Agrafon Cheese made of?
Graviera Agrafon Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese is compact.