La Collina
degli Olivi, "The Olive Hill", is situated
in the heart of Tuscan Maremma, near the ancient Etruscan
city of Roselle in the province of Grosseto.
It is
a family-run business with just over 11 hectares of
land dedicated almost exclusively to the cultivation
of olives.
The
farm uses organic agriculture cultivation methodologies.
This forbids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
in conformity to regulations passed by the European
Community.
The principle varieties present are
typically Tuscan: the Frantoiano, Leccino, Moraiolo
and Pendolino.
The olives
are harvested manually, usually during the first half
of October, and pressed on the same day by the Tuscan
College of Olive Cultivators OL.MA. following specific
guidelines for organically grown olives.
A golden yellow oil with subtle green highlights is
extracted; limpid, almost brilliant.
The aroma recalls an freshly pressed olive with a
hint of herbs.
The
extravirgin olive oil possesses a combination of flavours:
a pinch of bitterness, an elegant touch of a biting
flavour, delicate presence of spicy undertones and
a masterful hint of artichoke.
The
extravirgin olive oil produced is qualified by the
Tuscan Denomination and the Geographically Protected
Specification obtained by organic agriculture.
A
newly-restored building dedicated to guests with swimming
pool is perched on the summit of the hill. Guests,
in addition to enjoying the spectacular view of the
entire olive grove, can also enjoy ‘hands on’
participation in olive cultivation, picking and pressing.