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.

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

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