Comté Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
• "Is Comté Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
• "How does Comté Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
• "Is Comté Cheese or L'Etivaz 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.

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. L'Etivaz Cheese originated from Switzerland.

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). L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

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 . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural .

Ranking

Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and L'Etivaz pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses