Extra virgin Olive Oil Terre Tarantine

DOP - Protected Designation of Origin

Place of Origin

Taranto

 

The cultivation and production of olive oil in the area of Taranto started in the 10th century BC with the arrival of the Messapi. These populations built many hypogeum mills that can still be seen today.

The extra virgin olive oil Terre Tarantine PDO is produced in the territories of the towns of Ginosa, Laterza, Castellaneta, Palagianello, Palagiano, Mottola, Massafra, Crispiano, Statte, Martina Franca, Monteiasi and Montemesola.

The Protected Designation of Origin labelling is reserved to extra virgin olive oils made with Leccina, Coratina, Ogliarola and Frantoio olive varieties, for an amount of at least 80%. The remaining percentage, and in any case not exceeding 20%, can come from other olive varieties of the same area.

 

The production of this olive oil must meet the following requirements:

- olives must be harvested by 31 January;
- harvesting must take place directly from the trees;
- the interval of time between harvesting and milling should not exceed 72 hours;
- oil extraction can only be carried out with mechanical processes which are capable of producing oil without affecting its characteristics;
- the total maximum acidity can not exceed 0.6%.

The PDO Terre Tarantine oil has a yellow-green colour, a fruity aroma, and a sweet flavour with a slightly bitter and spicy taste.

Pairing

The PDO Terre Tarentine goes well with pasta dishes, vegetables, fish and meat dishes.