Comté Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

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

  • "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Comté Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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.

Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. Raclette du Valais 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). Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste.

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 . Raclette du Valais Cheese comes in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and has an aging period of minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker .

Rind and Rennet Type

Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Comté is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette du Valais is ranked #285 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Comté Raclette du Valais
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 Raclette du Valais pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Comté Cheese Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin France Switzerland
Specific Origin Massif Du Jura Canton Of Valais
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1958) GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Moisture Content Not Specified 36-44%
Rind Natural Washed
Texture Smooth; Semi-hard Semisoft, smooth
Taste Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'
Colors Pale yellow Not Specified
Forms Wide, flat wheels Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais
Age 4 months to 3 years Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette du Valais might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette du Valais offers a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

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