Far from the bustling and cosmopolitan Madrid,  the more rural Madrid, which still lives off agriculture and farming, offers a series of products that have obtained the Designation of Origin in recognition of their quality and good work, and which will delight the most discerning palates.

This certification not only reflects the quality of the products, but also guarantees absolute control of the ingredients throughout the entire production process. Food from Madrid has special characteristics which are their mark of distinction, thanks to the quality of the ingredients and the climate conditions.  

Wines of Madrid Designation of Origin

Madrid’s wine production is divided into four sub-areas: Arganda, Navalcarnero, San Martín de Valdeiglesias and El Molar. Madrid’s wine production is divided into three sub-areas: Arganda, Navalcarnero and San Martín de Valdeiglesias. Although they share the same geographical certification, they are differentiated due to the different climatic conditions and the subsoil of each area. Since 1990, the Wines of Madrid D.O. has rivalled classics like those from Rioja or Ribera del Duero on the national and international market. It boasts red, white and rosé wines with different grape varieties and marketed by around 50 wineries.

Oils of Madrid Designation of Origin

A staple in the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil from Madrid, liquid gold, has very little acidity and an intense yellow colour with green tones. These characteristics give it its well-known quality. It is also worth highlighting its excellent aroma and high nutritional and dietetic value.

Sierra de Guadarrama Meat Protected Geographic Indication

The climate conditions and the fields of the North of Madrid sierra are a perfect environment for the breeding of  beef cattle. This privileged scenario influences positively on the quality of the meat with the Sierra de Guadarrama label. It is differentiated by its slightly damp appearance, its reddish-pinkish colour and a firm texture with infiltrations of fat on the muscle.

Anis from Chinchón Geographical Designation

It owes its name to the town in Madrid where it is produced and bottled. This alcoholic liqueur is prepared with grains of anis called anise. According to its alcoholic graduation and the amount of sugar, four varieties are prepared: special dry, extra dry, dry and sweet.

Olives from Campo Real Quality Designation

The land in this municipality to the south east of Madrid is covered in olives. They share the same quality as those that are destined  to obtain oil, but in this case, they are for human consumption. Apart from the quality of the  ingredients, the secret of the Campo Real olives lies in the seasoning, prepared with aromatic herbs, such as thyme, fennel or oregano.

Other autochthonous products

Not distinguished with geographical markings, but with  the same quality of the previous ones. Other food from Madrid enjoys much deserved fame within the region and beyond. They include products like melons from Villaconejos, strawberries and asparagus from  Aranjuez, broad beans from the Northern Sierra, garden produce from Villa del Prado, honey from the Madrid Sierra or garlic from Chinchón. A good way of sampling the famous strawberries from Aranjuez is travelling on the Strawberry Train which departs from Madrid while staff in period costume offer passengers a strawberry tasting during the trip.

Furthermore, the Community of Madrid also has Certified Ecological Products, which are gaining more and more fans, and the new generic brand guarantee, M Product Certificate.

Markets and Gourmet Stores

In Madrid, you can find several shops and markets which sell Designation of Origin products.  One of them is Gourmet Experience Goya, a gastronomic multi-space located in the semi-basement of Corte Inglés in Goya, where you can choose from a wide variety of products. The gourmet brand, La Chinata, has several shops in Madrid and its specialities are oils and products made from Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

One of the options to purchase a fine bottle of wine is Lavinia, which boasts more than 4,000 wine references and a wide selection of national and international wines.

It is also worth mentioning San Miguel Market, whose stalls offer Designation of Origin products, such as olives and a selection of wines. The San Antón Market can also be visited and there are several events where you can find products like the Agricultural Chamber’s Market Day which holds a monthly edition at Casa de Campo and the travelling editions of the La Despensa de Madrid food markets.