b-guided > Barcelona

b-served Gastronomy

Gourmet cured ham shop

Reserva Ibérica

03.05.13

A brand new gourmet shop and tasting space “Reserva Ibérica” opened in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample, an initiative conceived by Manuel López renowned local ‘afinador de jamones’ where the design of the shop on the corner of Rambla Catalunya with C. Aragó references classic vintage delicatessen style combined with modern lines and taste. It is the third Reserva Ibérica space, there is also one in Sant Cugat as well as a sampling space for tasting and events also located in the centre of Barcelona (C / Arago 242).

Only 10% of labelled Iberian ham comes from authentic Iberian livestock bred on the peninsula’s pastures. Manuel Lopez chooses the best of this production for sale at Reserva Ibérica. The authentic ‘jamón ibérico de bellota’ can only come from specific landscapes, the meadows and oak forests which are found within the four regions of Designation of Origin (DO): Guijuelo, in Salamanca, Extremadura, Huelva and Valle de los Pedroches, Córdoba. Fewer than 500,000 pieces are produced each year.

  • Interior view of the gourmet shop located on Rambla Cataunya

  • Manuel López, expert in cured ham

    Manuel Lopez learned his profession (the appreciation of the finest hams) at a very young age, his family have a stand at the Boqueria market in Barcelona. His experience travelling throughout the south-eastern peninsula of Spain and collaborating with the most renowned cellars has helped establish him as one of the foremost experts in the country. His speciality is the identification of the best herds, supervision of the curing process and choosing the finest produce for his establishments serving it at just the right time.

  • A highly refined selection of gourmet produce

    In addition to cured ham and other cold cuts Reserva Ibérica also offers an exclusive range of other gourmet products. From a limited but excellent wine cellar (Pago de Capellanes, Lalama, Contino, Martinet Bru, Fino Colosia...) to quality conserves and foie (Rougier, Real Conservera Española, Bastarri...). Also a fine selection of cheeses, Spanish (Idiazabal, Dehesa de los Llanos) and international (Stilton, Comte, Gorgonzola, Parmesan ...). It is also the first store in Spain selling Oli caviar, until now reserved for gourmet restaurants only.

  • External facade of the shop specialising in cured ham and gourmet products

  • The interior design is influenced by the old style delicatessens