Bellota-Bellota Jambon Ibérico – Andalusian (Handcarved)

Tasting Notes of the Curator

This Andalusian handcarved Jambon Ibérico reveals a character distinct from its northern counterparts—warmer, rounder, almost sunlit in flavor. The first impression is its silken fat: glowing ivory, gently aromatic, and instantly melt-in-the-mouth. It carries a sweet nuttiness from the acorn-rich diet of the free-roaming Ibérico pigs, balanced by a deeper cured savor that whispers of sea breezes and warm stone.

The meat itself is richly marbled, offering alternating layers of tenderness and gentle resistance that make each bite captivating. Expect notes of toasted hazelnut, dried fig, and a whisper of smoked wood. The curing process—long, patient, and shaped by Andalusia’s drier climate—concentrates its natural sweetness while giving it a refined saltiness that lingers softly.

Handcarving introduces a beautiful human imperfection: variations in thickness that amplify the tasting experience. Some slices feel airy and delicate, others more structured, offering a fuller expression of aroma and depth. This jamón is both soulful and sophisticated—Andalusia in edible form.

Pairings and Suggestions

To showcase its elegance fully:

Serve Simply:

Let slices come to room temperature for the fat to soften and perfume. Pair with warm crusty bread or pan con tomate for a classic Spanish touch.

Cheese Pairings:

Manchego Curado, aged Mahón, or a delicate goat cheese.

Wine Companions:

Reds: Rioja Reserva, Ribera del Duero, or a youthful Garnacha. Whites: Albariño, Verdejo, or a mineral-leaning Chardonnay.

Liquor Possibilities:

A dry Fino or Amontillado sherry, or herb-forward gin.

Elevated Serving Idea:

Drape slices over roasted peppers or grilled bread with olive oil and cracked pepper—nothing more, nothing less.

With jamón this refined, restraint is the ultimate luxury.

A Tale from Andalusia’s Golden Dehesas

Andalusia’s landscape—sun-washed plains, winding olive groves, and oak-studded dehesas—has shaped centuries of Ibérico tradition. The region’s natural warmth accelerates curing, encouraging a unique concentration of sweetness within the meat. Bellota-Bellota® works closely with small producers who uphold ancestral methods, raising Ibérico pigs in wide open fields where acorns fall like seasonal blessings.

Handcarving, too, is a craft preserved across generations. It respects the muscle grain, honors the ham’s natural curves, and elevates the tasting experience with a precision that machines can never deliver. Each slice carries the Andalusian sun—generous, flavorful, and impossibly alive. In tasting it, you taste not only a delicacy but a region’s storied history of craftsmanship and celebration.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate immediately. Once opened, wrap well or store in an airtight container. Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.