Roquefort Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Roquefort Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Roquefort Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Roquefort Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Roquefort Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Roquefort Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Roquefort Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Roquefort Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Roquefort Cheese Overview
Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.
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
Roquefort 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. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Roquefort Cheese's appearance is colored blue-veined , is available in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and is aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 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
Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Roquefort | Taleggio | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Bordeaux | No pairings listed. |
Other Good Pairings | Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port | Amaro, Barleywine |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Roquefort and Taleggio pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Roquefort Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | France | Italy |
Specific Origin | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1925) | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
Rind | Not Specified | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
Texture | Moist, very creamy | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
Taste | Mild to strong | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Aroma | Sweet | Herbaceous, aromatic |
Colors | Blue-veined | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
Forms | Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
Age | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
Rennet Type | Animal | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a moist, very creamy cheese, go for Roquefort. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Roquefort has a mild to strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.