, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Comté Cheese vs Pepato Cheese
Comté Cheese
Pepato Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Pepato Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Pepato Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Pepato Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Pepato Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Pepato Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Pepato 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.
Pepato Cheese Overview
Pepato is a variety of Pecorino that is studded with whole peppercorns, adding a spicy kick to the otherwise nutty and salty flavor of the sheep's milk cheese. This hard, granular cheese is excellent for grating over dishes to add depth and a peppery zest.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Pepato 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). Pepato is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pepato Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Pepato's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Pepato Cheese has a salty, spicy taste. Pepato's aroma can be described as "spicy".
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 . Pepato Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Pepato Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. Pepato is ranked #185 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Pepato | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Pepato pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Pepato Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Salty, spicy |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Spicy |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Straw |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Not Specified |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Pepato might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pepato offers a salty, spicy profile, ideal for different meals.
