Comté Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:

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

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Comté is ranked #81 out of 375 types.

Taleggio is ranked #60 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. Taleggio 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). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Flavor and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted flavor. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Comté Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin France Italy
Specific Origin Massif du Jura Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1958) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Whole raw or pasteurized milk
Milk Treatment Raw Heated to 90–95°F
Rind Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Smooth Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Flavor Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Wide, flat wheels Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age 4 months to 3 years At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Calf rennet

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses