Fontina

semi-hard · cow milk · Italy · $$$

Melts beautifully, with a rich, creamy texture.

Attribute scores

meltability 9/10

sharpness 5/10

creaminess 7/10

firmness 5/10

pungency 5/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Fontina with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 5) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Great for

Pizza
Mac and Cheese
Fondue
Quesadillas
Nachos

Substitutes for Fontina

Cheese	Why it works
Raclette du Valais	similar overall, but less creaminess
Appenzeller cheese	similar overall, but more sharpness
Tilsit cheese	similar overall, but less meltability
Gouda	similar overall, but less pungency
Emmental	similar overall, but less pungency
Morbier	similar overall, but less meltability