CHEESE I
COMTÉ 24 MONTHS
Profile
Name: Comté 24 Months
Age: 24 Months
Country + Region: France, Franch-Comté
Milk Type: Cows
Pasteurised: No
Strength Of Cheese: 3
Style Of Cheese: Hard
Texture: 5
Tasting
The Comté is an artisan cheese that has had a PDO designation since 1952.
Comté is a matured cheese that gets its unique taste, texture, colour and distinctive range of flavours at various stages of ripeness.
When maturating on boards of spruce in humid caves, it develops a thick rind, which becomes crumblier and darker during ageing. Affineur, Jean Lecatelli (Vieu d’Izenave) carefully checks and turns the wheels, tapping them to check for cracks.
A nice ripened Comté has a smooth yellow pâte with a buttery texture. Its flavours become more complex and long lasting throughout the year, developing the sweetness of dried fruits and hints of nuts perfectly balanced by savoury notes.
Pairing
Hard cheeses are a dream to pair with most wines. They can stand up to strong wines and enhance delicate ones.
Here the intensity of the Côtes du Rhône enhances the Comte but neither gets overpowered. They both go about their business harmoniously.