About Fontina Cheese
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.
Key Facts
Country of Origin | Italy |
Protection | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Raw (for traditional Italian Fontina), Pasteurized (for most American versions) |
Fat Content | ~30-45% |
Moisture Content | ~45-50% |
Rind | Natural, Often Washed |
Texture | Creamy , Smooth |
Flavor | Mild, Buttery, Nutty |
Aroma | Mild to Pungent (earthier in aged versions) |
Colors | Pale Yellow to Golden |
Forms | Wheel, Block, Sliced, Shredded |
Age | Typically 2-3 months (can be aged longer for stronger flavor) |
Rennet Type | Traditional (Animal) or Microbial (varies by producer) |