Badia’s delicious Albereto has returned to our warehouse this year, after such a difficult year and unsuccessful 2019 harvest. 2020 saw a fruitful (literally!) harvest from their groves on the steep slopes of the Valley of the River Arno. One positive to come out of last year.
Albereto Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is, is one of two estate-grown oils that Badia a Coltibuono produce. The grove which was planted at an altitude of over 450 metres above sea level, produces varieties of Tuscan olives, specifically Frantoio, Leccino, Leccio del Corno, Pendolino and Maruino. The olives are hand-picked in November and sent directly to the press, where they are processed by light crushing followed by centrifugal extraction. The production is very limited, with the producers not expecting much more than a litre from each of their 7200 trees. The true definition of quality, not quantity!
The result is a bright, emerald- green, oil with a grassy and herbaceous aroma of tarragon and sage. It is very assertive in flavour, with some raw artichoke and a long peppery finish.
Badia’s Albereto is perfect drizzled over salads or used in a pinzimonio dressing. You could pour it over a carpaccio, a Panzanella, or use it to finish soups.