C 130/22
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
14.4.2023
As well as the compulsory indications, the labels must also bear the following: identification and logo of the ‘VACA DE EXTREMADURA’ PGI and traceability data.
Logo of the ‘VACA DE EXTREMADURA’ PGI
4.
Concise definition of the geographical area The geographical area to which the Protected Geographical Indication ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ applies is the entirety of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura.
5.
Link with the geographical area The ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ PGI is based on the specific characteristics of the meat and its geographical origin.
5.1.
Specific characteristics of the geographical area Extremadura is located in south-west Spain, on the Iberian Peninsula, and has an area of 41 635 km2, of which approximately 14 300 km2 are dehesas and dehesa-style landscapes.
The fauna of domestic animal species found in Extremadura largely comprises native breeds, which are connected and closely linked to the most typical environment of the region (the ‘dehesa’).
Due to their sturdiness and high capacity for adaptation to difficult environments, these species all contribute to maintaining and improving the ecosystem, fertilising the soil, improving the quality of pastures and slowing the advance of scrubland.
Rainfall is spread very unevenly throughout the year, with the highest frequency in the autumn and spring and considerable variability from year to year.
The dehesa climate is characterised by a dry period which marks the early drying-out of the pastureland.
The extreme temperature and rain conditions mean that the breeds included in the ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ PGI have adjusted in the best possible manner since they are capable of resisting both the cold and the heat, and the scarcity of water in periods of drought.
The priority ecosystem for ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ PGI cattle farms are dehesas and dehesa-style landscapes.
The dehesa is one of the defining systems of the ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ PGI in extensive livestock farming in Extremadura, and is characterised by grazing over large areas of land.
Livestock farming in these areas is perfectly adapted to the environment due to the hardiness of the breeds being farmed.
The harsh climate and poor, low-quality soils have limited the establishment of agriculture, with livestock farming largely taking its place.
This entire ecosystem has a positive influence on the characteristics of the product.
5.2.
Specificity of the product The meat from ‘Vaca de Extremadura’ cows is notable for its cherry red to purple-red colour, and its smooth and marbled streaking, with creamy white to yellowish fat that has a firm texture and is firm to the touch.
It is also notable for its aroma of animal fat, its juiciness in the mouth and its deep and long-lasting meaty flavour characteristic of beef.