A rare 2006 leg of ham, the oldest in the world, was auctioned for a staggering €80,000, making headlines for its exclusivity and historical significance. This prized piece belongs to the Vintage collection of Joselito, a Salamanca-based Iberian ham company known for classifying hams by vintage since 1999.
Hams in the Vintage category are aged over eight years, with the pigs enjoying a special diet of acorns and grass during their montanera, akin to a grape harvest for wines. José Gómez, brand manager at Joselito, emphasizes the rarity of these hams, stating that only those that can age well for up to 18 years qualify for this prestigious classification.
The auction price, decided a decade ago, reflects the ham's unique flavor and texture, derived from the black Iberian pig. Joselito, a family-run business in Guijuelo, has gained global prominence in the cured ham industry, selling these exclusive products to discerning clients worldwide.
According to Gómez, the value of these hams goes beyond monetary worth; they are sought after by individuals and establishments that truly appreciate their quality and heritage. With nearly 80 legs of ham aged over eight years in their collection, Joselito continues to uphold the tradition of exceptional Iberian ham production.