Fontal Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | — | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or L'Etivaz 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 L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like L'Etivaz 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 L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.