Fontal Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Fontal Cheese
Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Fontal Cheese is a cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow 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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What's the Difference Between Fontal Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
- Origin: Fontal Cheese (Italy), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (France)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fontal Cheese | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Italy | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier |
| Texture | — | Soft and tender |
| Rind | — | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | At least twenty-eight days |
| Taste | — | Delicate hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Fontal Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Fontal Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
In most recipes, Fontal Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Fontal Cheese or Saint-Nectaire 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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontal Cheese originates in Italy, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese comes from France.
Is Fontal Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fontal Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Fontal Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire 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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fontal Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.