Mertolenga Cattle (PDO)
The Mertolenga breed is an indigenous breed, certified with a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status; it is highly hardy and well-adapted to the climate and pastures of the Baixo Alentejo region.
The meat is tender and possesses a very distinctive, intense flavor that delights anyone who has the chance to taste it—unique attributes confirmed by sensory panels, which awarded Mertolenga meat ratings near the highest possible scale.
The Mertolenga breed is intrinsically linked to the *montado* (wooded pasture) of the Alentejo region, where the animals live and are managed—grazing and roaming in a completely stress-free environment. Their presence contributes decisively to the sustainability of this natural ecosystem, which is unique in the world.
The diet of the herd at Herdade da Apariça is based on a variety of sown and improved pastures. Two 20-hectare center-pivot irrigation systems are used in rotation to produce high-quality hay, silage, and grazing forage.
The males born on the estate are marketed through Promert, S.A., a company dedicated to the commercialization, promotion, and dissemination of this breed, which originates from the Mértola region.
