DOP Peras de Rincón de Soto

Pears were already grown in Eastern Europe and Western Asia in prehistoric times. The first archaeological traces of pear production and consumption date back to 3,000 BC. The Roman legions introduced this fruit into the Ebro Valley and it has always been closely linked to the economy of La Rioja.

The first documented reference in the region dates back to 1747 and mentions that the local pears were “an exquisite fruit” which was already highly-appreciated in the court of Felipe V. There is a manuscript from 1752 that explains that pears were grown and harvested in the last stretch of the River Ebro before it leaves La Rioja, specifically mentioning the municipality of Rincón de Soto.

Years later, in the 19th century, the municipality of Alfaro —near Rincón de Soto— began to market pears throughout Spain and even in other countries, where their juicy flavour and sweetness quickly earned them widespread fame.