The PDO Maronesa veal is obtained from the Maronesa cattle breed, deriving from the delimited area by the Marão, Alvão and Padrela mountains. The veal has a white to ivory white fat, depending on whether it is calf or adult cattle. The muscle is of a pink to dark red colour also according to the age of the animal. The Maronesa breed is defined as being a mountain, primitive, natural and rustic breed. Its main physical features are its dark brown to black hair/fur and a tuft of hair of a lighter colour. These cattle are responsible for the simple and delicate aroma and extremely tasty and juicy meat of the PDO Maronesa.