TERGESTE PDO OLIVE OIL

As stated by the Protected Designation of Origin, the mark ‘Tergeste’ is reserved for extra virgin olive oil obtained from the varieties of olives grown in the olive groves in the following proportions: Belica or Bianchera, in quantities of not less than 20 percent, Garbona, Leccino, Leccio del Como, Frantoio, Maurino, Pendolino alone or jointly for the difference.

These varieties have managed to survive over the centuries on the inaccessible and windy soils of the Trieste Karst, particularly Bianchera, a robust and vigorous plant known for late harvesting and its resistance to cold and bora, a typical cold wind that blows from the northeast.

Olive oil production is currently one of the most significant agricultural activities in the Trieste province. Deeply rooted in the socio-cultural context of the local populations, it registers a constant growth, both quantitative and qualitative. Olive growing has its roots in this territory as far back as pre-Roman times. It was in fact the ancient Phoenicians who planted the Adriatic coast with olive trees during their commercial expansion. Martialis, Plinius and Strabo put in writing praises about the oil from these lands. In fact, the Romans noticed the natural predisposition of the karst lands and climate of the eastern Adriatic area for this type of cultivation and gradually expanded it until olive growing became a profitable crop. From that time on, every Trieste farm owned its own olive press.

The oil produced on these lands is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, having a yellow color with green highlights and fruity notes of fresh grass, almond, green tomato and apple, perfect for enhancing regional dishes.

Between October and November, at the height of the olive harvest, it is also possible to visit olive presses that open their doors to tell how new oil is made from olives.