Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese

Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is a semi-hard, creamy cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese?

Fontina Val d'Aosta is a PDO-protected cheese, specific to the Aosta Valley in Italy. This version of Fontina is aged longer, which develops a stronger, more intense flavor compared to regular Fontina. It has a rich, creamy texture, and a complex flavor profile with notes of butter and roasted nuts. This cheese is often used in traditional Italian dishes requiring melted cheese, such as Valdostana veal.

What Is Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.

What's the Difference Between Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

• Origin: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (Italy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (unpasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (Semi-hard, creamy), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (Orange-tinged chestnut brown), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (Minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
• Taste: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese (Subtle, complex), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese reads as subtle, complex, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese shows floral, nutty, barnyardy, sweet, with lactic zing on the finish. notes of fruity, grassy, nutty, hints of truffle., while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese at minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.

Can You Substitute Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese reads as subtle, complex while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, creamy cheese, go with Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, complex notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese originates in Italy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is typically aged minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.

Is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese reads as subtle, complex, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, tangy.

What is Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese made of?

Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 80 days to 6-9 months. It originates in Italy.

What is Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?

Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontina Val d'Aosta Cheese is semi-hard, creamy, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft.