Retinta
(most common name)

The Retinta is an authentic Andalusian breed that originated with the union of Andalusian Red, Extremadura Red and Andalusian Blond. The first herdbook was started in 1933 and a breed society was formed in 1965. A new herdbook was established in 1976.

The Retinta is closely related to the Alentejana — they may even be essentially the same breed through a shared descent from the Transtagana.

Local varieties of Retinta include:
• Extremadura Red (Colorada Extrameña)
• Andalusian Blond (Rubia Gaditana)

Between 1975 and 1982, the Retinta became specialized as a maternal breed with crosses made with:
• Charolais (mainly)
• Limousin (mainly)
• Hereford (mainly)
• Shorthorn (some)
• Santa Gertrudis (some)

Continuing today as a maternal breed, the Retinta is strongly associated with the dehesa habitat of open evergreen oak and cork oak woodland. Retinta beef carries the PDO of ‘Carne de Retinto’.

(Spanish) Retinta = dark red

This page was last updated on: 2024-08-12

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