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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
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; semi-hard". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , 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
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Époisses | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | Burgundy Red |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Époisses pages.
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 | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural | Washed-rind |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Soft and creamy |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Undergrowth |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Orange ivory to brick red |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Small and large sizes |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Minimum of 28 days |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Époisses offers a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced profile, ideal for different meals.
