olive oil tasting?
 

Recommend places to tour, taste, buy olive oil in Florenc/Siena regions??

I`m sure in Italy there is good olive oil to try specially in Tuscany, Sicily and Puglia regions but this is a topic that I understand I have to talk about. Olive oil produced and distributed by Italian companies is the most famous worldwide through many Italian restaurants but not the best in the world. The best taste and smell comes from olive oil produced in Jaen, Cordoba and Cadiz provinces in Spain, right now they are trying to sell it under quality labels but I think it is still a home base product, used in Andalucian ( well, really in Spain in general ) cities as the base for cooking, though I don´t want to seem boring.

Olive Oil is a bit like Scotch whisky - everyone has their personal favourite and just as you cannot say what is the best Scotch you cannot say what is the best olive oil. <BR>However, it is generally accepted that Central Tuscan (i.e. from the hills around Florence) Olive Oil is one of the best, especially in late November/eary December when it has been freshly pressed and is a dark green color, slightly cloudy (a good oil is not over filtered and needs time to settle) and has a slight fizz to it. <BR>To appreciate a good Central Tuscan oil you need to be sure that it has been pressed from olives originating from Central Tuscany or more specifically from the Fattoria or Azienda Agricola (i.e farm) under which label it has been sold. It should also be an Extra Virgin oil and pressed cold. Extra Virgin oil refers to the acidity level and the highest quality oils have a very low level of acidity. In addition the olives should be pressed within 24 hours of being picked and for Central Tuscan oil this should take place generally before the year end. Olives picked after the year end generally are of a lower quality. In addition the best estates are located in a position where chemicals do not have to be used. <BR>I learnt all this and much else besides on traditional Tuscan agriculture when I had a farm holiday last year at Fattoria Pagnana (www.fattori-pagnana.com) Each week they offer a tour of their private agricultural museum and cellars followed by a tasting of their award winning products including their fantastic oil. <BR>The tour was in English. <BR>Good searching.

Sorry, the web adress should read www.fattoria-pagnana.com

What timing! <BR> <BR>I am in Italy every month finsing these places..there are some amazing mills that do tastings at first press! <BR> <BR>Please feel to e-mail me with your travel dates and I'll be happy to give you addresses, numbers and names. <BR> <BR>Buon viaggo and buon appetito!