Fontal Cheese vs Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese is smooth consistency with occasional round and uniform eyes and made from cow or goat milk.
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 Is Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
Gailtaler Almkäse is a hard cheese made on mountain pastures in Austria's Gailtal, where 14 alpine dairies produce about 40 tonnes a year. Wheels range from 0.5 to 35 kilograms and carry a protected designation of origin.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese (Raw cow's milk, raw goat's milk (up to 10%))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Gailtal Alps |
| Milk Type | Cow | Raw cow's milk, raw goat's milk (up to 10%) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Smooth consistency with occasional round and uniform eyes |
| Rind | — | Dry, closed, golden-yellow natural rind |
| Aging | — | Minimum ripening time of seven weeks; five weeks for specific purposes; 75 days if vacuum-packed |
| Taste | — | Distinctive taste of pure Alpine milk |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Gailtaler Almkäse 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 Fontal Cheese the same as Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese uses cow or goat.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Fontal Cheese made of?
Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese made of?
Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese is made from cow or goat milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged minimum ripening time of seven weeks; five weeks for specific purposes; 75 days if vacuum-packed.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Gailtaler Almkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.