Extremadura is an autonomous community of western Spain with a capital city of Merida. It is bordered by Portugal to the west with a northern border with Castilla y Leon. The climate is mostly Mediterranean characterised by very hot and dry summers and long and mild winters. The region is as much known for grape growing as it is for Iberian ham production with Wild Black Iberian pigs being allowed to roam freely consuming their diet of acorns which gives fantastic flavour to their meat. A number of grapes are grown there including Mazuelo, Tempranillo, Borba and Sauvignon Blanc. Because of the climate, vines struggle to survive and as a result produce small, concentrated grapes with rich, intense flavours and exceptional structure.