Maison Dehesa Reserva 2020 — 75% de Bellota Ibérico Ham, D.O.P. Guijuelo, Bone-in

Bring this whole 2020 Guijuelo Reserva to the table before dinner begins. Draw out a few fine ribbons, let the marbled fat soften on the plate, and pass the first taste around without a garnish to distract from it. Deep savour arrives first; a nutty finish follows and lingers. Then someone asks for another slice, and the evening finds its pace. Ibérico de Bellota belongs among the world’s great traditions of cured ham, and a whole leg lets you experience that pleasure at its most immediate: cut fresh, offered generously, shared in good company.

Maison Dehesa’s Guijuelo Reserva year marks when salting began, stamped at the hoof by the appellation’s Consejo Regulador. For this leg, that year is 2020. It is a whole, bone-in 75% Ibérico de Bellota ham with D.O.P. Guijuelo designation. The source weight is approximately 10 kg on average; each leg varies naturally. The year gives this Reserva its own identity in the Maison Dehesa selection, alongside the 2021.

Begin with the ham alone, sliced thin and served at room temperature. Later, bring tomato-rubbed bread and a bright glass of wine, then return to the knife whenever guests gather around the stand again. The best part of a whole leg is that the first plate need not be the last. For the carving ritual, the separately sold Cortador pack supplies one stand, one Arcos knife and one pair of Arcos tongs; it does not include the ham.

Keep the whole leg in a cool, dry place and follow the delivered label’s storage and best-before directions. Bring carved slices to serving temperature before eating.