From a quantitative production standpoint, Puglia is currently the most important region in Italy for extra virgin olive oil, producing half of the national output. Year after year, it is demonstrating that quality and quantity can go hand in hand, offering products that are increasingly sought after in Italy and worldwide.
Puglia is characterized by a variety of native cultivars such as Peranzana, Coratina, Ogliarola, Cellina di Nardò, Favolosa, and Leccino.
The result is a diverse range of oils that can be highly versatile in cooking, as the numerous attendees of the event dedicated to IGP Olio di Puglia on July 22 at Palazzo Brancaccio in Rome discovered.
The tasting
foto di Francesco Vignali
The Masterclass
foto di Francesco Vignali
Indeed, the different types of IGP Olio di Puglia were the highlight of a public tasting in the beautiful gardens of the historic residence on the Colle Oppio, with the producers present. This was preceded by a masterclass led by Stefano Polacchi, curator of the Gambero Rosso Oli d'Italia guide, reserved for industry professionals, press, and experts.
"Our Consortium, in synergy with Gambero Rosso, is organizing a series of initiatives in Italy and abroad to promote the cornerstone product of our region, extra virgin olive oil," explains Maria Francesca Di Martino, president of the IGP Olio di Puglia Consortium. "Our goal is to inform and ensure that even those not in the industry recognize that over 40% of high-quality extra virgin olive oil produced in Italy is actually made in Puglia. Therefore, we will showcase our EVO oils and many other regional excellences in the prestigious setting of Palazzo Brancaccio to reach the many enthusiasts who, I am sure, will not be disappointed by our quality productions."
During the IGP Olio di Puglia tasting, attendees enjoyed Acquasale, Pasta with mussels, cacioricotta and taralli, and Bombette pugliesi, curated by Marco Brioschi, Resident Chef of the Gambero Rosso Academy.
Participating olive oil companies:
- Agricola Taurino IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Leccino
- Associazione Frantoiani di Puglia IGP Olio di Puglia (blend di Ogliarola, Coratina, altre)
- De Carlo IGP Olio di Puglia (blend di Coratina, Ogliarola Barese, Leccino Peranzana)
- Olio Ciccolella IGP Olio di Puglia (blend di Coratina, Ogliarola barese)
- 4 Contrade IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Coratina
- Pantaleo IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Coratina
- Olio Guglielmi IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Coratina
- Aziende Agricole Di Martino IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Coratina
- Le Ferre IGP Olio di Puglia Monocultivar Coratina
- Cooperativa Madonna del Rosario – IGP Olio di Puglia
In addition to IGP Olio di Puglia, attendees were able to taste some excellent products, all strictly from Puglia: cheeses from Azienda Agricola De Vita and preserved vegetables from Cirillo-Bella Contadina (from Mattinata, FG), bread and taralli from Panificio Di Biase (from Ascoli Satriano, FG), and sweets from L'Arte di Luciano (from Apricena, FG).
Accompanied by a selection of Puglian wines.
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