Fontina Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Fontina Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Fontina Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?"
- "Is Fontina Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese the same?"
- "How does Fontina Cheese compare to Tomme de Savoie Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Fontina Cheese compare to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?"
- "Is Fontina Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese better?"
Fontina Cheese Overview
Fontina is a classic Italian cheese from the Aosta Valley, with a dense, smooth texture and a nutty, earthy flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic feel. Fontina is excellent for melting and is often used in dishes like risotto, fonduta, and as a table cheese.
Tomme de Savoie Cheese Overview
Tomme de Savoie is a semi-firm French cheese from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Made from raw or pasteurized cow's milk, it has a thick rind and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Itâs a low-fat cheese, which contributes to its lightness in flavor, ideal for a simple cheese platter.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Fontina Cheese comes from Italy. Tomme de Savoie Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Fontina Cheese has a PDO (1996). Tomme de Savoie Cheese has a PGI (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Fontina Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized or other.
Composition and Texture
Fontina Cheese has a fat content of ~30-45% and a moisture content of ~45-50%. Fontina's texture can be described as "semi-soft". Tomme de Savoie's texture can be described as "semi-soft, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Fontina Cheese has a mild, buttery, nutty taste. Fontina's aroma can be described as "mild to pungent (earthier in aged versions)". Tomme de Savoie Cheese has a grassy, nutty, tangy taste.
Appearance and Aging
Fontina Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in wheel, block, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) . Tomme de Savoie Cheese has a color of ivory .
Rind and Rennet Type
Fontina Cheese's rind is described as natural, often washed and uses traditional (animal) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. Tomme de Savoie Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Fontina is ranked #65 out of 996 types based on community views. Tomme de Savoie is ranked #167 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Fontina | Tomme de Savoie | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Chardonnay | No pairings listed. |
Other Good Pairings | Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms, Prosciutto, Sangiovese | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Fontina and Tomme de Savoie pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Fontina Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | France |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
Certification | PDO (1996) | PGI (1996) |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
Fat Content | ~30-45% | Not Specified |
Moisture Content | ~45-50% | Not Specified |
Rind | Natural, Often Washed | Natural |
Texture | Semi-Soft | Semi-soft, artisan |
Taste | Mild, Buttery, Nutty | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Aroma | Mild to Pungent (earthier in aged versions) | Not Specified |
Colors | Pale Yellow to Golden | Ivory |
Forms | Wheel, Block, Sliced, Shredded | Not Specified |
Age | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) | Not Specified |
Rennet Type | Traditional (Animal) or Microbial (varies by producer) | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semi-soft cheese, go for Fontina. But if you enjoy a semi-soft, artisan consistency, Tomme de Savoie might be the better pick. Fontina has a mild, buttery, nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tomme de Savoie offers a grassy, nutty, tangy profile, ideal for different meals.