Époisses Cheese vs Fontina Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Fontina Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Fontina Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese and Fontina Cheese the same?"
• "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Fontina Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese or Fontina Cheese better?"

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Fontina Cheese Overview

Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Fontina 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of none. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft".

Taste and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)".

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . Fontina Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed , with traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet.

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Fontina is ranked #66 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Fontina pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a semi-soft consistency, Fontina might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Fontina offers a mild, buttery, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Fontina Cheese to Other Cheeses