Fontal Cheese vs Graviera Agrafon Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese is compact and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Graviera Agrafon is made in the Agrafa region of Greece. It's a hard cheese from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk. Aged for at least five months, it develops a sweet and fruity flavor, slightly nutty with a dense texture, ideal for grating or frying as saganaki.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Graviera Agrafon Cheese (Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Graviera Agrafon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Agrafa, Thessaly |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk (up to 30%) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Compact |
| Aging | — | 3 months |
| Taste | — | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Fontal Cheese can stand in for Graviera Agrafon Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Graviera Agrafon 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 Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Graviera Agrafon Cheese comes from Greece. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Graviera Agrafon Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Graviera Agrafon 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 Graviera Agrafon Cheese made of?
Graviera Agrafon Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Graviera Agrafon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.