Queso Manchego vs Taleggio Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Queso Manchego and Taleggio Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Queso Manchego and Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
• "How does Queso Manchego compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Queso Manchego compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Queso Manchego or Taleggio Cheese better?"

Queso Manchego Overview

Manchego is a PDO-protected cheese made in the La Mancha region of Spain, exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep. It has a firm and compact consistency and a buttery texture, with a distinctive flavor that is well-developed and tangy, often with a slight piquancy in older cheeses. Manchego is aged for a minimum of two months and up to two years, developing a deeper flavor and harder texture with time.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Queso Manchego comes from Spain. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Queso Manchego has a PDO (1996). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Queso Manchego is made with sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Queso Manchego's texture can be described as "compact". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Queso Manchego's appearance is colored white to yellowish ivory , is available in cylindrical with flat faces and is aged fresco (2 weeks), semi-curado (3 weeks to 4 months), curado (3-6 months), viejo or anejo (1 year) . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Queso Manchego's rind is described as pleita and flor imprints and uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Queso Manchego is ranked #28 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Queso Manchego and Taleggio pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a compact cheese, go for Queso Manchego. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Queso Manchego has a slightly acidic taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Queso Manchego to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses