Fontal Cheese vs Pérail Cheese

Q: Is Fontal Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?

No. Fontal Cheese and Pérail Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Fontal Cheese for Pérail Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Fontal Cheese

Pérail Cheese

Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Pérail Cheese?

Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.

What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Pérail Cheese?

Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Pérail Cheese (France)
Milk type: Fontal Cheese (cow), Pérail Cheese (sheep)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Fontal Cheese	Pérail Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Italy	Aveyron, France
Milk Type	Cow	Sheep
Texture	—	Soft
Rind	—	Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum
Aging	—	2 to 8 weeks
Taste	—	Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses

Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

Fontal Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Pérail Cheese comes from France. Fontal Cheese is made from cow milk; Pérail Cheese uses sheep.

Is Fontal Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Fontal Cheese taste like Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese made of?

Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.