Subtle sophistication: Trentino extra virgin olive oil, the surprise that delights

This oil comes mainly from the Casaliva variety, which thrives in the local microclimate. The Romans introduced it 2000 years ago from Tuscany to the sunny slopes and terraces by the lake. Today, the ancient groves of centuries-old plants are tended by producers with a respect for tradition and a sensitivity to local identity. They look after the landscape, taking care of the environment and biodiversity in a labour of love that reaps what it sows come the end of the year.

The olives are harvested from November to January. It’s a time of celebration, bringing families together as everyone lends a hand, an eagerly awaited moment when the farmers’ toil earns its reward, not least with a hearty snack. It’s a job that demands commitment and dedication but offers joy – for the first fruits of the harvest and the new oil, wondering how good it will be and how it will taste.

The unique qualities of the extra virgin olive oil from northern Lake Garda are the noblest expression of the farmers’ dedication to their land and their respect for the natural order. Extra virgin olive oil’s remarkable qualities lie in its chemical make-up. The high levels of oleic acid and antioxidants (polyphenols and tocopherols, like vitamin E) are highly prized nutritionally and make for a product that keeps well.

These specific properties were revealed by the Mach Foundation at the Agricultural Institute in San Michele all’Adige: their analyses also show that an extra virgin olive oil can be traced back to Trentino through traits entwined with the geographical and climatic conditions in the northern Garda area.

D.O.P.

Local producers have won many national and international accolades. First and foremost, the European Union has awarded PDO status to certify the product origin. This is granted only to superior-quality extra virgin olive oils cultivated in line with traditional local practices.

• Agraria Riva del Garda
  Loc. S. Nazzaro - 4 Riva del Garda
  T. +39 0464 552133
  info@agririva.it
  www.agririva.it
• Madonna delle Vittorie
  Via Linfano, 81 38062 - Arco
  T. +39 0464 505432
  info@madonnadellevittorie.it
  www.madonnadellevittorie.it
• Oliocru
  Via Maso Belli 1/B, 38066 - Riva del Garda
  T. +39 0464 715344
  info@oliocru.it
  www.oliocru.it

Slowfood

Some of our extra virgin olive oils have won national Slow Food Presidium status. To qualify, farmers must use locally indigenous olive cultivars without synthetic fertilisers or chemical herbicides, and 80+% of the plants must be at least 100 years old.

• Maso Bòtes
  Varignano di Arco,
  Località‘ Olif de Bòtes, 1
  T. +39 0464 791 014 - 349 709 66 78
  info@masobotes.it
  www.masobotes.it
• Laghel 7
  Arco, Via al Colodri di Laghel, 7
  T. +39 335 824 06 45
  info@laghel7.it
  www.laghel7.it