On the Argentine table, especially as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, the picado is not just a precursor to the main course; It is a sacred ritual of encounter. It’s the moment when Cheese, olives and, above all, good sausageset the pace of the conversation before the barbecue. In this constant quest to offer the best to family and friends, product quality is essential and this 2025 left an undeniable certainty for those seeking excellence on their festive table.
Throughout this year, various competitions have evaluated our country’s artisanal production, but there was one that caught the attention of all palates for its consistency and precision. As part of the fgastronomic era Caminos y SaboresA few months ago the prestigious “Flavor Experiences” awards were presented. There, a product from the interior of Córdoba achieved a historic feat by winning the top award in its category for the third year in a row and establishing itself as the best in all of Argentina.
It is a recognition that rewards not only taste, but also the identity of a territory and the dedication of decades of work. For those compiling a shopping list for these holidays, knowing the history of this salami means understanding why Oncativo has become the undisputed capital of the country Premium sausagesto ensure that a product from deep within reaches the most exclusive shelves in Buenos Aires and the rest of the country.
The best salami in Argentina: Don Ramón, the three-time Oncativo champion who conquers the country
The brand that has achieved the “Triple Crown” in the category Thickly chopped salame is Don Ramón, a family business from the town of Oncativo in Córdoba. This year wasn’t just another year for them: in addition to receiving the national award, they celebrated their 25 years of experience in the industry. Consecutive wins in 2023, 2024 and now 2025 confirm that his recipe is not the result of chance but of a quality standard that remains unchanged over time.
At the award ceremony, Alexis Bartoloni, President of Don Ramón, emphasized that this success was an expression of the commitment to the tradition of his city. “For three years we have been taking part in this competition, which has given us a lot of pleasure. Today it is clear more than ever that the Oncativo salami has arrived to conquer the palate of all Argentines,” he expressed proudly. For consumers, this institutional support is a guarantee that when choosing this salami for the Christmas table, they are receiving a product that has passed the most demanding tests.
The success of this sausage lies in the right balance between pork, beef and perfectly selected cubes of fat, seasoned with spices that respect the heritage of the region’s Italian immigrants. It is a product that represents the “know-how” of Córdoba and that, thanks to this type of award, has gained national visibility, so much so that it is now available in delicatessens and specialty stores throughout the country, just before the end of the year celebrations.
Gin, cheese, honey and more: the jewels of Argentine gastronomy in 2025
What sets this award apart from other commercial recognitions is the selection process. The jury was not made up of influencers or celebrities, but rather a rigorous group of experts from the Sensory Analysis Laboratory of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires. Each sample was subjected to a “blind tasting” during which specialists evaluated technical aspects that went well beyond the original taste.
FAUBA experts analyzed critical variables such as visual appearance (the characteristic red color and distribution of fat grains), cut texture (which should not be dissected) and of course olfactory and taste characteristics. Don Ramón’s salami stood out for its balanced aroma and its persistence in the mouth, which distinguishes it from industrial versions. This scientific analysis ensures that the Taste Experiences award is the most reliable award for consumers looking for a genuine and artisan product.
In addition to the Cordoban salami, this year’s competition honored other jewels of national gastronomy that are ideal to complement the holiday table:
- Argentine Gin: Mar del Plata Gin.
- Cow Cheese: Tandil Cheese Cluster Banquet.
- Bee honey: Local honeys (Entre Ríos).
- Dulce de Leche: Caranegra (Santa Fe).
- Olive oil: Famiglia Dell’Isola (winner for the third time).
With these award-winning options, the 2025 Fiesta Menu becomes an opportunity to celebrate the best of our country and support regional producers who, like Don Ramón, are raising the standard of Argentine gastronomy worldwide.
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