The original Fontina cheese from the Aosta Valley is fairly pungent and has quite an intense flavor, although Fontina-like labeled cheeses that are produced in other countries can be much milder. Aostan Fontina has a natural rind due to aging, which is usually tan to orange-brown. The interior of the cheese is pale cream in color and riddled with holes known as "eyes". It is noted for its earthy, mushroomy, and woody taste, and pairs exceptionally well with roast meats and truffles. It has a rich and creamy flavor which gets nuttier with aging. Mature Fontina is a hard cheese, and melts well.