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Brie Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Brie Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Brie Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Brie Cheese Overview
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Brie Cheese comes from France. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Brie is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Brie is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Brie | Taleggio | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | Amaro, Barleywine |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Taleggio pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Brie Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Rind | Bloomy | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Herbaceous, aromatic |
| Colors | White | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
| Forms | Not Specified | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
| Age | Not Specified | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.
