Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Fontal Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, originating in Italy.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What Is Fontal Cheese?
Fontal is one of the names that grew out of fontina, the cow's milk cheese first produced in Italy. Cheeses under derivative names like fontal are made in other parts of Italy and in Denmark, Sweden, Quebec, France, Argentina, and the United States.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Fontal Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Fontal Cheese (cow)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Fontal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | — |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Fontal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Fontal Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Fontal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Fontal Cheese uses cow.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Fontal Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Fontal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Fontal Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Fontal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.