Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya vs Reblochon Cheese
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is a young, soft-paste cheese made from pasteurized Friesian cow's milk in La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia. It is the only Catalan cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin, and it tastes light with a salty aftertaste.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.
What's the Difference Between Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya and Reblochon Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Pasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, creamy), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Natural, slightly moist, light brown), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Aging: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (up to one month), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, clear, pleasant), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Alto Urgel And Cerdanya, Catalonia | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | Natural, slightly moist, light brown | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | Up to one month | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Soft, clear, pleasant | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. More specifically, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya shows light, with a salty aftertaste and intense, persistent secondary aromas, while Reblochon Cheese leans toward nutty taste that lingers in the mouth. Aging plays into this as well. Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya at up to one month develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya suits recipes that want soft, clear, pleasant notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is typically aged up to one month, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya reads as soft, clear, pleasant, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya made of?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged up to one month.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is soft, creamy, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.