This oil is from the latest harvest, October-December 2011

This organic extra virgin olive oil is produced in Strongoli, Calabria completely from olives grown on the estate of Azienda Agricola Del Monaco.  The owner, Luigi Emanuele Romano, oversees every phase of the operation, from cultivation of the trees, prunig, harvesting the fruit and crushing the olives.

His oil gains a very unique charachter from the blend of more familiar olives, such as Leccino and Frantoio, but especially from the native and very rare Tonda Strongolese. Tonda Strongolese is an ancient olive cultivar documented in Calabria by Basilian monks in the 6^th Century.  Today it grows exclusively in a very small region on 300 year old trees. 

The reference to the Basilian monks carries through to the design of the beautiful gilded lable with the antique monk's image.  Many of our customers when they call order "the monk oil."

The oil is intense, somewhat bitter, grassy, a bit herbaceous and packed with flavor.  It has light pepper on the finish and a pleasant bitterness. 

Application: This is a finish oil that will add character and flavor overtones to any dish.  We particularly like it on grilled meats.