Extra virgin olive oil

Drinks other than wine
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Given Jancis has said previously that a bottle of single estate extra virgin olive oil is a great present for a wine lover, and that many producers also have olive groves, hopefully this doesn’t feel too off topic for the forum.

I just wanted to draw foodie member’s (ie, everyone’s?) attention to a fantastic company offering just such a thing: https://www.frantoi.org/

In 2019 my family visited Montalcino and while there went to Il Palazzone. Laura - who recently left the estate - showed us round, including their olive groves. EVOO had always felt to me much like wine once did: appealing, something I liked a lot, but daunting and with so much to learn. Laura was great at showing us the basics, including that freshness is key, right up to (and probably most importantly) the time taken from picking to pressing the olives. An olive mill is called, in Italian, a frantoi; most growers don’t own their own and have to ship, which adds time. Very good places find somewhere as close as possible; the best have their own (sorry if everyone else knew this).

Anyway (and here’s where I get to my point), she mentioned the above company, set up by a couple who fell in love with Italian EVOO after moving there, and who embarked on a mission to find and make available wonderful oils only from growers who also own their frantoi on-site (incidentally, the founder, Elizabeth, worked with wine for many years). I bought some that year and haven’t looked back. I would go so far as to say it’s been life-changing, which might sound ridiculous but given it’s enhanced around 90% of every lunch and dinner we’ve had since, maybe not.

They offer the oil for about 8 weeks each year, around October-ish harvest time, and delivery is in time for Christmas. They’re lovely to deal with and provide a wealth of information both generally and about the specific oils you can get.

I’m sure there are no cynics on what’s always struck me as one of the friendliest and most comradely members forums on the internet, but just to add, I’ve no connection whatsoever! I recently ran out and contacted them to see if I could buy any more. It arrived yesterday, which is what compelled me to post this. Just wanted to share something I think very special.

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Elizabeth, who runs frantoi.org did, indeed, used to work in wine – she was head of marketing for Mentzendorff for a number of years before moving to Italy with her husband and young family. I second the recommendation for frantoi.org – I’ve bought their oils on a regular basis every year, and each selection has been delightful. You can choose a flavour profile to suit your tastes – green and peppery, subtle and restrained, etc – or explore Italy’s olive terroir and varieties. Great customer service and lots of useful info. Wholeheartedly recommended for anyone interested in exploring the diversity of Italy’s olive oils.

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I’ve now had two EVOO’s from estates in Napa and absolutely love them compared to anything I can find in the store or order online. I now pretty much just stock up on these upon release!

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