Mont d'Or Cheese vs Pigouille Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pigouille Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What Is Pigouille Cheese?
Pigouille is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Charentes region of France. It has an ivory color and a mold-ripened rind, giving it a rustic appearance and a barnyardy aroma. The flavor profile combines acidic, salty, sweet, and tangy notes, creating a balanced taste experience. The cheese's soft texture makes it ideal for spreading on bread or crackers. Pigouille is a great choice for those who enjoy rich and slightly pungent cheeses. It pairs well with a light white wine or a crisp cider.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Pigouille Cheese?
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Pigouille Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Pigouille Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Pigouille Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Pigouille Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Pigouille Cheese (acidic, salty, sweet, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Pigouille Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Charentes |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed rind | Mold ripened |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Acidic, salty, sweet, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Pigouille Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Pigouille Cheese brings acidic, salty, sweet, tangy character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Pigouille Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Pigouille Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Pigouille Cheese brings acidic, salty, sweet, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Pigouille Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Pigouille Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Pigouille Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, salty, sweet, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Pigouille Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Pigouille Cheese uses sheep.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Pigouille Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Pigouille Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Pigouille Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Pigouille Cheese is acidic, salty, sweet, tangy.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
What is Pigouille Cheese made of?
Pigouille Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Pigouille Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Pigouille Cheese is soft, artisan.