From the hills of the Chianti region to the shelves of the large-scale retail distribution with one thing in mind: quality and respect for the most traditional olive oil making techniques. This is Azienda Olearia del Chianti, set up in 1985 in Panzano, on the hills between Florence and Siena. An area with a long olive oil and wine making tradition, where olive groves and vineyards are part of the landscape and, of course, of the local culture. After all, Tuscany is one of the biggest olive oil producers in the world.
Since its early days, the focus of the Gonnelli family has been on top quality raw materials. The aim is to satisfy the needs of consumers who, now more than ever, care about the origin of products. “Our mill – confirms the company – produces extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality, including: PDO Chianti Classico, PGI Toscano, and 100% Italian, organic EVO olive oil. The processing of the olives takes place within 24 hours from the farmer’s delivery, while the pressing is performed at temperatures under 25°C (77°F). Before being stored, the olive oil undergoes strict testing at our laboratory (approximately 500 tests yearly). Finally, an internal commission of tasters assesses and selects the oil to go on sale (200 tests yearly).”
AZIENDA OLEARIA DEL CHIANTI IN NUMBERS
Azienda Olearia del Chianti boasts a state-of-the-art 6,000 square-metre bottling plant, as well as nitrogen technology, which is used to preserve the organoleptic characteristics of the oil and avoid any oxidation. The plant boasts four bottling lines for a total production capacity of 20,000 bottles of various sizes: from 15 ml to 5 litres, either glass or cans.
OLIVE OIL FROM TUSCANY
While all of Azienda Olearia del Chianti’s products are made according to Tuscan tradition, the company also relies on the latest innovations in the industry. This is how some of its most successful lines are produced:
- Marca Oro – Extra virgin olive oil, available both filtered and unfiltered, made from Italian olives picked and processed in the best production areas. A quality product suitable for seasoning, as well as for grills and roasts;
- PGI Toscano – A certified, EVO, 100% Tuscan olive oil (filtered); selected in the oil mills of Tuscany. Nice and fresh, slightly spicy and with a light artichoke aftertaste;
- PDO Chianti Classico – Suitable for the most refined palates, its superior characteristics are widely recognized and even protected by the EU with a PDO certification. The olives are handpicked according to tradition and then immediately taken to the mill. A unique flavour and aroma, this product is ideal for seasoning, especially on game, as well as on all grilled meat, fish, soups and legume dishes;
- Bio – An organic olive oil of which the entire supply chain is guaranteed: from the first harvested olive to the last drop coming out of the press. Certified by the ITASS Suolo e Salute inspection body: it’s ideal for all cooking uses.
