Discover our gastronomy.
If there's one thing that stands out about Los Arribes, besides being a protected Natural Park with breathtaking landscapes, it's their diverse gastronomy, rich in traditional flavors and high quality. And of course, their extensive and rich variety of wines with their own designation of origin.
Now that we're in summer, I can't think of a better time for you to come and visit Los Arribes del Duero, specifically Fermoselle (Zamora), and taste it for yourselves. Let's set aside diets and enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures: food!
And where?
At our restaurant La Posada de Doña Urraca, of course, where we prepare delicious dishes with local products.
Los Arribes del Duero are known for their diverse gastronomy, partly due to their Mediterranean climate, ideal for producing oil using traditional methods. This oil is highly sought after both nationally and internationally for its distinctive flavor and high quality. We can highlight varieties such as "Manzanilla Cacereña," "Verdial," and "Cornicabra," known for their low acidity.
A different way to try it is with "el chirri," a famous dressing in which, by combining it with other ingredients like vinegar, oregano, garlic, and chili, you get a perfect and flavorful marinade for local meat.
Try the meats
And speaking of meat, if you're a true carnivore, here you'll find the best dishes made with Sayaguesa beef. An exquisite meat that, in addition to its high nutritional value, boasts an unparalleled flavor and texture. You can find it in various cuts such as chops, T-bone steak, or sirloin. Choose from different accompaniments, from garden salad or grilled vegetables to Foie and Boletus medallions or our own mojo sauce. Whatever option you go for, it will be a success.
And continuing with the meat, don't forget to order a platter of assorted Iberian cured meats and local cheeses as an appetizer. These are products that we highlight and have been passed down from generation to generation.
Local cured meats
In our restaurant, you'll find cured meats from Puente Robles and Ibéricos El Catedrático, both made 100% with natural products, evident in their intense aroma and nuanced flavors.
And when it comes to cheeses, the most popular is "Queso Zamorano," with protected designation of origin (D.O.P.), made from sheep's milk and characterized by its intense flavor with a spicy touch. There are also other cheeses made in the Fermoselle area from goat or sheep's milk.
Our traditional stews are a delight for those who appreciate the classics. We offer dishes such as stewed veal tongue, Zamora-style stew with veal cheek, or suckling lamb in almond sauce. All of these stews are cooked slowly, following the traditional recipe to preserve the essence that makes them characteristic.
As for fish, if you prefer seafood, a dish with the best cod cannot be missing from your table.
Given our proximity to Portugal, we benefit from its star product. In our menu, you will find numerous recipes where cod is the protagonist. From the classic shredded and sautéed cod with a mixture of garlic, onion, and tomato, to variations with ratatouille, potatoes, and boiled eggs. If you prefer a more original format, try it as a filling for piquillo peppers. If you're not sure which one to choose, we could say that if you're looking for the typical Portuguese dish, choose the one that comes with a side of potatoes, while the preparation with oil and garlic is considered more typical of Spain.
Moreover, even though we are not in the north, you won't miss the octopus, especially during the grape harvest season. We prepare the classic "pulpo a la gallega" for you to enjoy while contemplating wonderful views. Of course, replacing the sea with the Duero River.
And once you've seen the main products of the Arribes, why not go for a land and sea fusion? At Posada Doña Urraca, we want all our diners to find what they like and not have to settle for just one option. That's why we prepare scrambled eggs with shrimp and mushrooms where their flavors blend, achieving an unparalleled taste.
Spoon dishes
We also cook exquisite spoon dishes because if you are like us and love these dishes even in high temperatures, we prepare them for you! You can choose from the iconic Castilian cocido soup, Fermosellano-style garlic soup, or pochas al pil pil. You'll surely come back for more!
Undoubtedly, this list may fall short when we think about the countless recipes that Arribes cuisine offers. It has such a vast, rich, and varied gastronomy that in this post, we have only mentioned a few examples. But there are plenty of other dishes that also deserve a special mention and are present on our menu. Among them, we can highlight crispy ham croquettes, asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon, grilled prawns, sea bream, or warm salad with garden produce, among others.
Do you want to try any of these dishes? At Posada Doña Urraca, we prepare them for you on the spot with all the love and flavor as always.
Wines
But if you want to take it a step further, enhance the culinary experience by pairing these dishes with a glass of wine from our great selection, both from the region and various designations of origin, as well as the best sparkling wines on the market.
Wines from this area have a long winemaking tradition and stand out for their unique and distinctive character. The fact that this land is called the "Land of Wines" is not mere chance; it is due to its strategic location in a mountainous environment that provides it with climatic conditions and suitable soil for grape cultivation.
In this region, native grape varieties are cultivated, such as Juan García, Rufete, and Bruñal for red wines, and Malvasía and Moscatel de Grano Menudo for white wines.
To help you choose the one that best complements your meal, we provide guidance. The first step is to differentiate them, and for that, you need to check that their labeling includes the letters DOP (Protected Designation of Origin). In terms of taste, they are easy to identify, with intense touches and fruity aromas in red wines like Lara Ortiz, Malleolus, or Viña Mayor. White wines, such as the classic Arribes de Vettonia, feature floral, citrus, and herbaceous notes.
Undoubtedly, if you are a wine lover, Fermoselle will enchant you with its tradition and cellars, many of which still preserve underground cellars for the delight of all visitors.
The culture of vines and wine, so prominent in the history of this municipality, is of such importance that Fermoselle is recognized under the nickname "the Village of 1000 Wineries."
But the best part is that many of these wineries are open to the public and offer guided tours where you can learn about the wine-making process, from harvesting to bottling, enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding them, and taste their wines. Undoubtedly, a unique experience that will make you feel like a winemaker.
If you want to delve into the history of wine and enjoy its flavor, at Posada Doña Urraca, we provide all the information about these excursions and answer your questions.
Desserts
And finally, after a great feast, remember to leave room for dessert. You can't leave the Arribes without trying some of their typical sweets like the classic rice pudding, custard, egg flan, or puff pastry cake filled with cream.
And as it could not be otherwise, in our menu, you will find all of them crafted by ourselves following the traditional recipe to preserve their essence.
In conclusion, the gastronomy of our community is much more than a simple collection of dishes and recipes. It is a reflection of our identity, our history, and our traditions.
In this blog, we wanted to introduce you to the enogastronomy of our community, in which, despite the passage of years and advances in cooking, we continue to preserve our culinary traditions.
We conclude this post here, but our gastronomic story continues. We invite each of you to discover our products and taste the traditional dishes we craft with them so that you can share your evaluations and experiences with other gastronomy enthusiasts.
If you want to immerse yourself in this culinary feast, come to the Arribes del Duero! Let your taste buds discover new ingredients and enjoy each dish. Get ready for a gastronomic journey that will leave you wanting more!
