Olive Oil

History

In Italy on a brisk autumn afternoon close to dusk the olive harvesters are rewarded with a hot slice of fett’unta : thick unsalted bread toasted on the open fire, slightly rubbed with garlic and then generously drizzled with freshly crushed olive oil.
This is an ultimate experience of peppery, cut grass, artichoke flavours giving a slight tickle at the back of the throat and encaptures the flavours of genuine good Tuscan oil.

Owner Stefano Stefani now brings this memory of his youth to Australia

Olive Groves

In 2002, olive varieties Leccino, Frantoio and Picual were planted on 9 hectares of the Heathcote property adjacent to the vineyard. The trees are grown on rich Cambrian soil and are tended by our in-house horticultural team.

2008 saw the beginning of the long awaited production of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil, when the small trees were laden with fruit. Delicate handling of fruit minimizes damage and oxidation of fruit, preserving the true olive character. It was cold- pressed within 12 hours of picking and then allowed to settle for 3 weeks before bottling.

Early picking of fruit gave low yield [between 14.5 – 19% v/w] of oil but it resulted in the desired rich and intense flavours that we enjoy. Each variety was bottled separately and each classified Extra Virgin Olive Oil due to very low oleic acid content fruit was cold-pressed.

Leccino Oil	Frantoio	Picual
Picked and crushed April 2011	Picked and crushed May 2011	Picked and crushed May 2011
Order	Order	Order
Fruit was hand-harvested 12-14th April 2011 in HEATHCOTE, Victoria producing a fresh oil with excellent qualities:oleic acid at 0.1g% It has a blend of green olive, herbaceous, and tomato leaf flavours. Enjoy over a grilled steak or tomato bruschetta with cracked pepper!	Fruit was hand-harvested the 5-6TH May 2011 in HEATHCOTE, Victoria producing a fresh oil with excellent qualities: oleic acid at 0.1g%. It has a harmonious blend of herbal, cut grass and peppery artichoke flavours. Enjoy drizzled over crusty bread & shaved parmesan or grilled vegetable salads!	Fruit was hand-harvested on the 20th May 2011 in HEATHCOTE, Victoria producing a fresh oil with excellent qualities: oleic acid at 0.1g % It has a smooth blend of savoury herbaceous and peppery rocket flavours. Enjoy with a rocket & fennel salad or grilled salmon!