Proof of the quality of Huelva’s gastronomic products is the existence of the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). Both are a guarantee for the consumer of the quality and origin of the product, as well as for the producer, safeguarding it from imitations or producers without the quality standards defined by the regulatory councils.
The province of Huelva has the Denomination of Origin Condado de Huelva for its wines, the Protected Designation of Origin Jabugo for its hams, Protected Geographical Indication Garbanzo de Escacena and Protected Geographical Indication Mackerel and Melva de Andalucía.
The Condado de Huelva D.O. is internationally known for being one of the oldest in Spain. Its origin dates back to the time of the Tartessos. Today the wine tourism offer in Huelva is very varied, ranging from visits to wineries, hiking and cycling routes among vineyards, cultural routes, staying among vineyards and, of course, wine tastings and pairings with the exquisite gastronomy of the region.
The main grape variety of Condado de Huelva wines is Zalema, a native variety, followed by Palomino Fino, Listán B, Garrido Fino, Moscatel de Alejandría, Pedro Ximénez. Although new varieties such as Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are currently being incorporated. Mainly white and fortified wines are produced, although red and rosé wines are also produced. The orange wine stands out for its originality, a unique wine, with a long tradition, which is flavored with bitter orange peels through a maceration process.
Among the localities where wines with Condado de Huelva D.O. are produced are Moguer, Bollullos Par del Condado, La Palma del Condado, Almonte, Manzanilla, Villalba del Alcor, Rociana del Condado, Palos, Trigueros, Beas, Bonares, Chucena, Gibraleón, Hinojos, Lucena del Puerto, San Juan del Puerto, Villarrasa and Niebla.
More information: Denominación de Origen Condado de Huelva
DOP Jabugo, of international fame, protects and certifies hams and shoulders of 100% Iberian pork raised and fattened in freedom in the pastures of the villages located in the surroundings of the Natural Park Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche.
The Jabugo Protected Designation of Origin is only granted to those producers whose products have achieved specific organoleptic properties derived from 3 fundamental factors: the racial purity of the pigs, the exclusive feeding and fattening with acorns and natural pastures in the pasture, where they are raised in freedom, and a slow curing process taking into account the microclimatic conditions of the Sierra de Huelva.
Among the 31 towns that are part of this Designation of Origin are Aracena, Cortegana, Jabugo (which gives it its name), Galaroza, Corteconcepción, Santa Olalla del Cala, Higuera de la Sierra, Aroche, Cumbres Mayores…
For more information visit: Denominación de Origen Protegida Jabugo.
Another protected agri-food heritage of the province of Huelva is the Escacena chickpea. Characterized by its large size, its characteristic yellowish color and deep grooves, the Garbanzo de Escacena is recognized for its quality and reputation in terms of its commercial distribution.
Among the most outstanding organoleptic characteristics of the Escacena chickpea are its buttery and slightly grainy albumen, the soft and thin skin adhering to the grain, its fineness on the palate and its always pleasant flavor.
Among the brands marketing this type of protected chickpea are: Campo de Tejada Sociedad Cooperativa Andaluza, Legumbres Luengo and Legumbres Pedro.
For more information visit: Indicación Geográfica Protegida Garbanzo de Escacena.
he Regulatory Council of Mackerel and Melva of Andalucía, was born from the union of several Andalusian canning businessmen, with the intention of protecting the traditional and purely artisanal processes of elaboration of their products. This Protected Geographical Indication guarantees that the canned products have been elaborated in a traditional way and that the raw material is of the highest quality.
It is melva and mackerel from the Andalusian coasts and preserved in an artisanal way, following the tradition of the area, in such a way that they keep all their flavor, nutritional and healthy properties without using any chemical product.
Among the brands adhered to this PGI are: Lola, Queen of Guadiana, Pesasur, Campeador, USISA, Tejero, Piñero y Díaz, La Tarifeña, Conservera de Tarifa and Marina Real.
For more information visit: Indicación Geográfica Protegida Caballa y Melva de Andalucía.
