We are pure Iberian

The Iberian pig

At Señorío de Montanera, we defend the purity of the Iberian breed as a commitment to preserving a livestock industry that is unique in the world and a guarantee of the quality of our products.

Montanera

Exclusive feeding on acorns

A natural diet based on acorns and natural resources found in the dehesa (roots, herbs, wild fruits, etc.) is essential for breeding pure Iberian pigs, and is responsible for the excellent aroma and flavor of their products. During the montanera season (from October to March), a 100% Iberian pig can consume more than 15 kg of acorns per day.

Concerned about the preservation of our natural ecosystem, at Señorío de Montanera we champion traditional acorn-fed Iberian pork production, the tradition of our land. We aim to produce the highest quality acorn-fed Iberian products and revive traditional recipes through purely artisanal production.

Livestock tradition

Commitment to the environment

Our respect, and that of our members, for nature and for the purest Iberian pig is demonstrated every day by the perseverance with which we have cared for the dehesas for many generations. The families of some of our farmers have been raising Iberian pigs in the Dehesa de Extremadura for over 250 years, protecting the trees and also continuously raising acorn-fed Iberian pigs. A perfect symbiosis of tradition, natural environment, and a unique breed.

The pure Iberian pig

100% Iberian acorn-fed pigs

Respect for the conservation of our pastures and the care of the pure Iberian pig are reflected in the unique character and quality of Señorío de Montanera Iberian products.

The Iberian pig is a medium-sized animal, with pigmented skin ranging from deep black to reddish brown or dark brown, and sparse (interfaced) or absent (hairless) hair. Its limbs, or shanks, are thin and strong, and feature hooves that are either completely black or with whitish stripes, as in the Torbiscal breed.

Purebred Iberian pig breeding remains closely linked to the dehesas of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, surrounded by centuries-old holm and cork oaks that produce acorns. This ensures the survival of this unique ecosystem.

The Señorío de Montanera 100% Iberian pig lives freely in its natural habitat, the centuries-old pastures, and enjoys more than 3 hectares of pasture per animal.

DOP Dehesa de Extremadura

The Regulatory Council of the Dehesa de Extremadura PDO has had a consistent policy since its creation in 1990: ensuring the highest quality of Iberian products.

Leader in Iberian production

More than 20 years maintaining leadership

For two decades, Señorío de Montanera has been the undisputed leader in the production of pure acorn-fed Iberian ham from the Dehesa de Extremadura Designation of Origin, the most demanding in the Iberian sector in Spain. The Designation of Origin's Regulatory Council works to constantly improve and monitor the Iberian products covered by its seal, conducting exhaustive independent inspections both in the dehesa during the montanera process and at the various stages of the production process.

Constant control

Monitoring the entire production process

The certification of a product with a Designation of Origin involves a comprehensive process from beginning to end: from the birth of the pig in the pastures and its fattening process to its final maturation process in the cellar.

All certification steps (pig by pig, piece by piece) are carried out by inspectors from the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin "Dehesa de Extremadura", thus endorsing a strict control system with guaranteed traceability.

In the field, inspection technicians verify the breed, age, and weight of the pigs, measure the free-range pigs, and monitor them throughout the process, ensuring they are fed acorns and natural pastures. Each animal is identified by a numbered, tamper-evident metal ear tag.

Inspections throughout the process

When the piece is ripe, official inspectors move to the cellar, where they check the individual seals on the pieces. Once identified, they then test each ham and shoulder, which is a way to detect the piece's aroma. They then apply numbered labels to those pieces that meet all specifications and demonstrate the required quality, discarding those that are unsuitable.

The Dehesa de Extremadura Designation of Origin therefore represents a seal of guarantee for consumers, certifying the highest quality of acorn-fed Iberian ham.

Iberian ham with designation of origin from the Dehesa de Extremadura