Mont d'Or Cheese vs Rigotte Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Rigotte Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat 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 Rigotte Cheese?
Rigotte, also known as Rigotte de Condrieu, is a traditional goat's milk cheese from the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. Made with unpasteurized milk, it has a fat content of 45%, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The cheese is soft and artisan, with an ivory color and a natural rind. Its flavor profile is both acidic and sweet, creating a balanced taste experience. The aroma is distinctly goaty and nutty, adding to its appeal. Rigotte is a fine example of French cheese craftsmanship, celebrated for its simple yet satisfying flavors.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Rigotte Cheese?
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Rigotte Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Rigotte Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Rigotte Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Rigotte Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Rigotte Cheese (acidic, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Rigotte Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Parc Naturel Régional Du Pilat In The Rhône-Alpes |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed rind | Natural |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Acidic, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Rigotte Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Rigotte Cheese brings acidic, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Rigotte Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Rigotte 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 Rigotte Cheese brings acidic, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Rigotte 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, Rigotte Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Rigotte Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Rigotte Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Rigotte Cheese uses goat.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Rigotte Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Rigotte Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Rigotte Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Rigotte Cheese is acidic, sweet.
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 Rigotte Cheese made of?
Rigotte Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Rigotte Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Rigotte Cheese is soft, artisan.