We were lucky enough to enjoy a gastronomic day dedicated to traditional “cocina charra,” featuring wines and typical dishes from Salamanca, at the headquarters of the Brotherhood of the Putxera (railway-style stew pot).
The menu was a true tribute to the culinary tradition of Salamanca: Iberian ham from Guijuelo, hornazo, limón serrano, patatas meneás, and white beans with pig’s ear and trotters. For dessert, a delicious nuezada paired with a Pedro Ximénez. My friend Josetxu was in charge of the cooking, with invaluable help from several members of the Brotherhood.
The wine pairing began with a very original spicy vermouth, “La Guindilla,” and a white wine, 8 Vírgenes, from Bodega La Zorra (Mogarraz). With the limón serrano, we enjoyed the rosé Astronauta from Bodega Perahigos. The more substantial dishes were paired with two single-varietal reds made from lesser-known grapes: a 100% Rufete from Bodegas Rochal (Bolosea) and a Bruñal from Quinta las Velas (Ahigal de los Aceiteros).
The tasting and meal were accompanied by an audiovisual presentation about the Sierra de Salamanca and the Arribes region, highlighting precisely those little-known grape varieties that give these wines their distinctive character. Josetxu enriched the day with anecdotes about Salamanca’s customs and traditions: Lunes de Aguas, the charro button, the astronaut, the frog, and the origin of the word “charro.”
The event began at 1:00 p.m. and went on until 8:00 p.m. Among the drinks, the vermouth stood out as particularly original. The white and rosé wines were very well received, while the reds divided opinion: some preferred the lightness of the Bolosea, while others favoured the structure of Quinta las Velas.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Óscar, who treated us to his culinary creations the day before. A truly generous gesture!
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience: both the organization and the hospitality of the attendees were impeccable, and everything was carefully thought out down to the last detail. It was a real pleasure.
Finally, I would like to recommend a visit to Balmaseda. Its San Severino festivities (October 23rd) and the Living Passion during Easter Week are two events well worth experiencing firsthand.
With warm thanks to all the members of the Brotherhood.
