Comté PDO from France

Comté PDO, a French cheese celebrated for its complex and intriguing flavor profile, is the star of this episode of European Tasty Tales. Often likened to a savory pound cake, Comté offers a surprising array of tastes ranging from brioche to apricots and almonds. The secret behind this unique flavor profile lies in the cheesemaking process, adhering to strict PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) regulations. Milk from over 2,000 traditional farms in the Franche-Comté region is transformed into cheese wheels using time-honored methods. After pre-ripening, the wheels are transferred to special caves for aging, where they are regularly rubbed with brine. The aging process can last anywhere from 4 months to over a year, significantly impacting the final taste. A young Comté will be mild and grassy, while a more mature cheese offers richer notes of candied cashews, bourbon, and brown butter. Discover more about Comté PDO and the fascinating route designed for cheese lovers to explore the farms and cellars where this delectable cheese is produced.