Food Awards of Spain: Monte Nevado

Monte Nevado Celebrates its ‘Alimentos de España Awards’ with a Limited Edition 100% Ibérico Acorn-fed Ham

The centenarian ham producer, Monte Nevado, is celebrating its historic double recognition in the latest edition of the ‘Alimentos de España Awards’ (Spain’s Food Awards), accolades granted annually by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). To commemorate this achievement, which solidifies its position as the most awarded ham brand in the history of this prestigious contest, the company has launched an exclusive Limited Edition of 100% Ibérico Acorn-fed Ham, a gastronomic jewel with an exceptional curing process of over ten years.

The Double Award at the ‘Alimentos de España Awards’

The ‘Alimentos de España Awards’ aim to recognize the excellence and quality of Spanish agri-food products, boosting their promotion and contributing to the sector’s image. In its latest call, Monte Nevado claimed two of the highest honors: the award for ‘Best Ibérico Acorn-fed Ham’ and the award for ‘Best Serrano Ham’. This double win is a milestone that highlights the brand’s mastery and dedication throughout its trajectory.

To celebrate this double triumph at the ‘Alimentos de España Awards’, Monte Nevado has selected an unrepeatable vintage: the 100% Ibérico Acorn-fed Ham from 2015. This limited edition consists of only 18 pieces and represents the maximum expression of the brand’s philosophy, based on the origin of pure breeds, responsible rearing in sustainable ‘dehesas’ (pasturelands), and an extraordinarily slow curing process.

Characteristics of the 2015 Vintage

The 100% Ibérico Acorn-fed Ham from the 2015 Vintage, matured for a decade, is the result of optimal climatic and ‘montanera’ (acorn-feeding period) conditions. The quality of the acorns and the abundance of fresh grass, favored by appropriate rainfall, provided the animal with a rich and varied diet. This diet translates into a balanced fat infiltration and a richness in unsaturated fatty acids that define its sensory profile.

The tasting notes for this special edition describe a ham with an elongated and stylized profile, featuring a black hoof, indicative of racial purity. Its appearance when sliced is an intense and brilliant ruby red, with a fine marbling of infiltrated fat.

• Aroma: Deep, complex, and elegant. Notes of dried fruits (hazelnut, walnut) and toasted flavors (cocoa, coffee) stand out, with a sweet undertone. The fresh and balsamic nuances, inherited from the abundant grass, provide a cleaner, more aromatic profile.
• Texture: Juicy and unctuous on the palate. The fat melts quickly, offering a velvety and persistent sensation.
• Flavor: Harmonious and expressive, with a balance between sweet, umami notes, and a slight salty touch. The aftertaste is long and elegant, with persistent memories of mature acorn and toasted nuts.

The 2015 Limited Edition, available since the beginning of December, not only honors the ‘Alimentos de España Awards’ but is also presented as a luxury option for the most discerning tables during the Christmas holidays. Monte Nevado, faithful to its commitment to excellence, offers through this vintage a piece with its own character, reflecting more than a century of perfected craft.