Taleggio Cheese vs Wensleydale Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese?"
  • "Is Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Taleggio Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Taleggio Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese?"
  • "Is Taleggio Cheese or Wensleydale Cheese better?"

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.

Wensleydale Cheese Overview

Wensleydale is a crumbly, moist cheese originally from the town of Wensleydale in Yorkshire. It can be young or matured, with the younger cheese being mild and creamy, and the aged cheese developing a more pronounced, honeyed flavor. It's often combined with fruits like cranberries or apricots.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Taleggio is ranked #62 out of 376 types.

Wensleydale is ranked #101 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Taleggio Cheese comes from Italy. Wensleydale Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996). Wensleydale Cheese has a .

Milk Type and Treatment

Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated. Wensleydale Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically other.

Composition and Texture

Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center". Wensleydale's texture can be described as "firm and crumbly".

Flavor and Aroma

Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic". Wensleydale Cheese has a fresh, lemony tang flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Taleggio Cheese's appearance is colored pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , is available in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and is aged at least 35 (up to 50) days . Wensleydale Cheese has a color of creamy white and has an aging period of 1 to 4 months old .

Rind and Rennet Type

Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red and uses calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Taleggio Cheese Wensleydale Cheese
Country of Origin Italy United Kingdom
Specific Origin Val Taleggio, Po Valley Yorkshire Dales
Certification PDO (1996)
Milk Type Whole raw or pasteurized milk Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Heated to 90–95°F Pressed
Rind Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center Firm and crumbly
Flavor Sweet, delicate, slightly sour Fresh, lemony tang
Aroma Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside Creamy white
Forms Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age At least 35 (up to 50) days 1 to 4 months old
Rennet Type Calf rennet

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Wensleydale Cheese to Other Cheeses