Montasio Cheese vs Pyrenees-Style Cheese
Montasio Cheese is a elastic to crumbly and hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pyrenees-Style Cheese is .
What Is Montasio Cheese?
Montasio is a cow's milk mountain cheese from Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto in northeastern Italy, made on the Montasio plateau since 1200. It is semi-hard and creamy when young, and harder after longer aging.
What Is Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
Pyrenees-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, originating from the mountainous region between France and Spain. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. The cheese is aged for a few months, which helps develop its subtle taste and pleasant aroma. Its pale yellow interior is encased in a thin, natural rind that adds a gentle earthiness. Pyrenees-Style cheese melts well, making it a great choice for cooking or enjoying on its own with bread and fruit. This cheese pairs nicely with light red wines or a crisp white for a simple yet satisfying experience.
What's the Difference Between Montasio Cheese and Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Montasio Cheese | Pyrenees-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Elastic to crumbly and hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months | — |
| Taste | Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Montasio Cheese Taste Like Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Montasio Cheese for Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
Montasio Cheese can stand in for Pyrenees-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Montasio Cheese or Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montasio Cheese the same as Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Montasio Cheese similar to Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Montasio Cheese for Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Montasio Cheese taste like Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Montasio Cheese made of?
Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Pyrenees-Style Cheese made of?
Pyrenees-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Montasio Cheese or Pyrenees-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.