Olio Novello

We have just received several different Olio Novello from Italy and Spain.

Pianogrillo from Sicily has a deep smell of green tomato and just cut grass, a trace of artichoke. It is delicate, round. The green-yellow colour reminds us of the sunny sweeps of the Ibleo upland. The flavour is medium spicy, with very little bitterness. It is a natural anti-oxidant.

Castillo de Canena from Spain is a First Day of Harvest pressing. Meaning that only the olives taken on the first day are pressed. This rare early harvest extra virgin olive oil delivers intense flavours and an accentuated fragrance to the senses and captures the unique occasion when the first olives of the new season are collected, milled and the resulting oil is experienced for the first time. There are two Castillo de Canena oils we are stocking this year:

Piqual: The oil is of a golden green colour and its fragrance combines that of artichokes, mint, basil and rosemary. Its bold taste coats the palate with flavours that continue the herb theme plus hints of citrus fruit and green tomatoes with a peppery finish.

Arbequina: This 100% Arbequina extra virgin olive oil has distinctive fruity qualities that combine with finesse to create complex aromas and flavours. The initial fragrance is of green apples, lemon peel and herbs and this give way to tastes of ripe banana and bitter almonds, finished with gentle notes of spice .

These oils are in very limited supply, only six bottles of each to go around. If you enjoy olive oil but have never tried the "new oil" before we suggest that you do so soon. The new oils are very intense in flavour and colour and are very different than other Extra Virgin Olive Oil you might purchase. It is a unique experience every year and something we always look forward to, and hope you will also. We are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Olio Verde Olio Novello, and we'll let you know when it arrives. Cheers.