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Comté Cheese vs Fontina Cheese
Comté Cheese
Fontina Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Fontina Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Fontina Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Fontina 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.
Fontina Cheese Overview
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Fontina 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. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of none. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)".
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 . Fontina Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed , with traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.
Ranking
Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. Fontina is ranked #66 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Fontina | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | Chardonnay |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Fontina pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Fontina Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | ~30-45% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~45-50% |
| Rind | Natural | Natural, Often Washed |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Semi-Soft |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild to Pungent (earthier in aged versions) |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Pale Yellow to Golden |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Wheel, Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional (Animal) or Microbial (varies by producer) |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Fontina offers a mild, buttery, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
