Salpicão de Vinhais

Vinhais salpicão sausage is a traditional smoked sausage made from pork of the Bísaro breed of pigs from Vinhais in the municipality of Bragança. Bísaro pig farming is widespread throughout this area, and it is an important source of income for the local rural population.

The pigs feed on chestnuts and acorns, which gives the meat and its products a unique flavor of the Portuguese north.
The sausage is made by combining pork loin with local wine, salt, garlic, bay leaves, and paprika and leaving the combination to marinate.

The marinated meat is then ground and stuffed into sausage casings before being smoked over an oak and chestnut wood fire. The sausage is moderately firm and dark chestnut in color on the outside, while the interior is red and well-marbled. It has a smoky flavor with a hint of wine. This sausage can be served with crusty bread, local cheese, and a glass of local wine, and it's also often used as an ingredient in traditional regional stews.