Époisses Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

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

Country of Origin

Époisses 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

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

Taste and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

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 . 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

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

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Taleggio 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 soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses