Following the severe frosts in Tuscany in 1985, when many of the olive trees were destroyed, a group of producers - with the Frescobaldi’s at their helm - set up a marketing group to guarantee the provenance and quality of their oils. The Laudemio group still endures today, and represents some of the best oils of the region, and the world.
The Frescobaldi's have their mill at Camperiti, just down the road from their beautiful Castello di Nipozzano, and it is here that they press the olives: 70% Frantoio, 20% Moraiolo and 10% Leccino.
The winter was typical for Tuscany with cold weather and rain, but the low temperatures continued until May, resulting in a delay of the flowering and fruiting of the trees. The olive groves at lower altitudes, closest to Florence, produced high quantities of olives whilst the trees situated at over 1000 feet had very low production. Despite this, the warm summer ensured the olives were in great health and they began to ripen in early October.
Tasting Notes:
A striking deep emerald green in colour, with some lemon pith, woody herbs and spearmint all present in the aroma this complex and delicious oil. This complexity continues in the mouth - full and aromatic, with some bitter leaves, more woody herbs, raw artichoke and a long lasting green peppercorns at the finish. A very bold and interesting oil.
