Saint-Nectaire Cheese vs Vieux Corse Cheese

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Saint-Nectaire Cheese is a soft and tender cow-milk cheese from France, while Vieux Corse Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.

What Is Vieux Corse Cheese?

Vieux Corse is a traditional French cheese made from sheep's milk, originating from the island of Corsica. With a fat content of 50%, this cheese is soft and artisan in texture. It is known for its full-flavored profile, offering a combination of salty and spicy tastes. The cheese has an ivory color, making it visually appealing on a cheese board. Often enjoyed with crusty bread or paired with robust red wines, Vieux Corse is a treat for those who appreciate bold flavors in their cheese.

What's the Difference Between Saint-Nectaire Cheese and Vieux Corse Cheese?

  • Milk type: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers)), Vieux Corse Cheese (sheep's milk)
  • Texture: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender), Vieux Corse Cheese (soft, artisan)
  • Taste: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut), Vieux Corse Cheese (full-flavored, salty, spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Saint-Nectaire Cheese Vieux Corse Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne Corsica
Milk Type Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier —
Texture Soft and tender Soft, artisan
Rind Washed-rind —
Aging At least twenty-eight days —
Taste Delicate hazelnut Full-flavored, salty, spicy

Taste Comparison: Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese Taste Like Vieux Corse Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese reads as delicate hazelnut, while Vieux Corse Cheese brings full-flavored, salty, spicy character.

Can You Substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Vieux Corse Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese can stand in for Vieux Corse Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft and tender bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Saint-Nectaire Cheese reads as delicate hazelnut while Vieux Corse Cheese brings full-flavored, salty, spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Saint-Nectaire Cheese or Vieux Corse Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and tender cheese, go with Saint-Nectaire Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Vieux Corse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Saint-Nectaire Cheese suits recipes that want delicate hazelnut notes, while Vieux Corse Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, salty, spicy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese the same as Vieux Corse Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk; Vieux Corse Cheese uses sheep.

Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese similar to Vieux Corse Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Vieux Corse Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese taste like Vieux Corse Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese reads as delicate hazelnut, while Vieux Corse Cheese is full-flavored, salty, spicy.

What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.

What is Vieux Corse Cheese made of?

Vieux Corse Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Saint-Nectaire Cheese or Vieux Corse Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender, while Vieux Corse Cheese is soft, artisan.