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 2009	Picked and crushed April 2009	Picked and crushed April 2009
Order Oil Here	Order Oil Here	Order Oil Here
This first press of LECCINO olives from HEATHCOTE is robust and pleasantly rich in green olive flavours with a persistent peppery finish. All fruit is handpicked to give clean fresh flavours.	This first press of FRANTOIO olives form HEATHCOTE is richly robust and intense with green olive flavours and beautifully balanced with hint of hazelnut at finish. All fruit is handpicked to give clean fresh flavours.	This first press of PICUAL olives from HEATHCOTE has a beautifully rounded flavour with a touch of tomato leaf and almond kernel finish. All fruit is handpicked to give clean fresh flavours.