ORIGIN
The Carranzana sheep owes its name to the Karrantza Valley in Bizkaia, where its main population is found. Although it is also present in Asturias, Cantabria, León, and Burgos, the first historical reference dates back to 1872, at the Santander Livestock Competition. There are two varieties: the blonde-faced sheep, traditional in the valley, and the black-faced sheep, introduced by Alejandro Eletxigerra, a charcoal burner and shepherd from Gipuzkoa who arrived in Carranza with a flock of black-faced Latxa sheep. Over the years, Eletxigerra crossed these sheep with the local ones, giving rise to the black-faced Carranzana, a variety that has endured thanks to its descendants. Today, these sheep are found mainly in the neighborhoods of Cezura and Montañan.
The black-faced Carranzana sheep is included in the Official Catalog of Endangered Native Breeds.
MORPHOLOGY
Derived from the Churro breed, the Carranzana sheep is characterized by its convex profile and long ears. Its white fleece covers its body, leaving its head and limbs exposed. Females are usually larger and lack horns, while males, in some cases, develop spiral horns. The blonde and black varieties are distinguished by their coloring, with the blondes having reddish tones and the blacks having dark heads and limbs.
MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTION
The Carranzana sheep is mainly raised in extensive farming systems, taking advantage of the region’s natural resources. Its main product is milk, used to make the prestigious Idiazabal cheese, but Carranzano lamb meat is also highly valued as a local “zero km” product. Raw Carranzana sheep’s milk is notable for its high fat and protein content, making it an ideal ingredient for the production of artisan cheeses.
Mutur Beltz is committed to promoting these products through self-consumption and socio-cultural activities that highlight the value of local cuisine. We organize events where popular meals are offered, with dishes prepared by Karrantza restaurants, such as sheep stew and fresh cheese. Furthermore, since 2017, at the Buen Vivir Artist Residency, we have been collaborating with chef Txema Llamosas from the Casa Garras Restaurant to create an innovative tasting menu based on products from our Carranzana sheep: cured beef, blood sausage, beans with ribs, cannelloni, royale, and sheep’s milk ice cream, among others.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUE
The Carranzana sheep plays a key role in preserving the landscape and ecology of the Karrantza Valley, helping to keep the mountains clean and prevent fires through grazing. It is also essential to the local cuisine, and its wool, once used for clothing and mattresses, is now being revalued in contemporary design projects. At Mutur Beltz, we work to promote and protect this breed and the shepherding profession, creating products that fuse tradition and innovation.
Buy unique products made from the wool of Carranzana sheep, an endangered breed. Support local tradition with our clothing and accessories. Contribute to environmental conservation and sustainable grazing. Discover the artisanal quality of Mutur Beltz, combining the history of grazing with contemporary design. Since 2017, Mutur Beltz has purchased wool from 15 shepherds in Karrantza every year, generating a circular economy and supporting the primary sector by paying one of the highest prices in Spain for this raw material.
