Comté Cheese vs Époisses Cheese

Comté Cheese

Époisses Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Comté Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"

Comté Cheese Overview

Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Comté is ranked #81 out of 375 types.

Époisses is ranked #68 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. Époisses Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".

Flavor and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted flavor. Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced flavor. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Époisses Cheese has a color of orange ivory to brick red , comes in small and large sizes and has an aging period of minimum of 28 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Comté Cheese Époisses Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Massif du Jura Auxois and Terre Plaine, Burgundy
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1958) PDO (1996), AOC (1991)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow's Milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Rind Washed-rind
Texture Smooth Soft and creamy
Flavor Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced
Aroma Undergrowth
Colors Orange ivory to brick red
Forms Wide, flat wheels Small and large sizes
Age 4 months to 3 years Minimum of 28 days

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses