The world of olive oil
From the heart of the Mediterranean
Our dedication when it comes to choosing the finest olives makes us true masters. We pay close attention to the raw materials, always harvesting at the right time. That’s how we create unique Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Find out about the history and origins of our liquid gold:
It appeared
In Persia and Mesopotamia.
The Cretan civilization
Drove the export of olive oil to other Mediterranean countries, particularly Egypt.
In the Greek colonies
The cultivation of olives began to spread to the south of Italy, north Africa and the south of France.
The Phoenicians
Their extensive maritime commerce spread olive growing to the countries of the eastern Mediterranean.
Olympics
Olive oil and the olive branch were a central part of Greek culture. Oil was applied to Olympic athletes’ bodies and used to adorn their heads after a victory. In fact, athletes were also paid in olive oil.
The Romans
Production of olive oil increased to the point that it was distributed throughout the entire Roman Empire.
Olives and olive oil
Appeared in the holy books of all major religions. They are mentioned in the Old and New Testament of the Bible and in the Quran.
Middle Ages
After a pronounced decline following the fall of the Roman Empire, olive groves flourished again in Italy. Olive farming had thrived in the eastern Mediterranean.
Immigration
To the New World brought olive farming to the United States.
Heritage
Since 2012, olive oil has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Heritage
Since 2012, olive oil has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Olive Oil Around the World
The best Extra Virgin Olive Oils require the perfect combination that brings all the flavours and nuances together to create a work of art. To create something unique, we must go to the source – the heart of the Mediterranean.
3% Portugal
50% Spain
7% Italy
4% Tunisia
8% Greece
The Mediterranean is the perfect site to ripen our olives. For the best flavour notes, our trees cover large areas in Italy, Spain and Greece. Learn about the different varieties:
ITALY
In Italy, the types of olives we grow are: Frantoio, Leccino, Cima di Bitonto, Carolea, Ogliarola. We also work with these somewhat more intense and persistent varieties: Nocellara del Belice, Ogliarola Garganica, Tonda Iblea, Coratina, Frantoio, Moraiolo Those with the fruitiest and most balanced flavours are: Coratina, Ogliarola Barese, Frantoio, Leccino, Cima di Bitonto, Cima di Mola.
SPAIN
In Spain, we grow the following olives: Ripe Picual (bitter eucalyptus taste to pronounced ripe Picual taste), ripe Hojiblanca, ripe Arbequina, ripe Arbosana We also work with these somewhat more intense and persistent varieties: Hojiblanca, Cornicabra and very early cropped Picual, Picudo, Verdeal, Arbequina. Those with the fruitiest and most balanced flavours are: Early cropped Arbequina, Manzanilla, medium harvested Cornicabra, Picual, Arbosana.
GREECE
In Greece, we grow the following olives: Ripe Koroneiki and Tsunati We also use these somewhat more intense and persistent varieties: Cropped early Koroneiki, Mastoidis, and Athinolia. Those with the fruitiest and most balanced flavours are: Green Koroneiki and Tsunati.
Carapelli Olives
High-quality oil can only be obtained by selecting the ideal variety. At Carapelli, we take great care in our work with high-quality varieties. Learn about each type of olive here:
Arbequina
This olive variety creates a very delicate, lightly fruity and sweet oil. Depending on when it is harvested, its flavour can vary and may produce some green notes on the palate.
Coratina
This variety stands out for its bitterness and slight astringency, which allow it to produce an oil with an incredible green aroma and peppery finish.
Hojiblanca
Widely appreciated above all for its light and sweet flavour at first taste. It goes perfectly with the bitterness and pleasant spicy flavour of unripe fruit. Finally, it leaves an almond aftertaste.
Picual
This is one of the most complex and aromatic varieties. It is picked every year but its characteristic fig taste only comes out when the fruit ripens. It has a slightly bitter taste with a spicy finish.
