Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Munster Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Munster Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Munster Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Munster Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Munster Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Munster Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Munster Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Munster Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Munster Cheese Overview
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
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
Munster Cheese comes from France. 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. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Munster Cheese's appearance is colored orangey-pink to orange-red , is available in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and is aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months . 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
Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #56 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Munster | Taleggio | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | German Riesling, Riesling | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Belgian Blonde | Amaro, Barleywine |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Taleggio pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Munster Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Certification | AOC (1969) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Fat Content | 45-48% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Texture | Semisoft | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
| Aroma | Gamey, aromatic | Herbaceous, aromatic |
| Colors | Orangey-pink to orange-red | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
| Forms | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
| Age | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Rennet Type | Traditional rennet | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semisoft cheese, go for Munster. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.
