Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is firm to smooth and made from cow milk.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What Is Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Vorarlberger Bergkäse is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Austrian state of Vorarlberg, made by hand from raw hay milk and protected as a PDO. It ages 3 to 6 months, sometimes past two years, and tastes nutty with herbal notes.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Firm to smooth)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (At least 3 months)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese (Spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Vorarlberg, Including Regions Bregenzerwald, Kleinwalsertal, Großwalsertal, Leiblachtal (Pfänderstock), Walgau, And Rheintal. |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Firm to smooth |
| Rind | Hard | Smear-ripened to dried, brownish yellow to brown granular rind |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | At least 3 months |
| Taste | Umami | Spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese brings spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age character. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese at at least 3 months.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for firm to smooth. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese brings spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a firm to smooth profile, Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese at least 3 months.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is spicy, becoming sharp with increasing age.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Vorarlberger Bergkäse Cheese is firm to smooth.