Archive for May 26th, 2010

Posted on May 26, 2010 - by napavalleyolivegrowers

Grace Family Olive Oil

Seven years ago Ann Grace started harvesting the olives from the 100 plus year old trees on the Grace Family Vineyards property.

Grace Family Vineyards was blessed with marvelous fruit. With the decision to make oil, year round care of the trees began. The mantra was to mirror the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence for which Grace Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon had become known.

The original orchard field mixture of Picholine olive trees, Sevillano trees, some Mission and other unidentified European varietals was augmented during the 1990’s with Italian varietals such as Frantoio and Leccino. Production was increased with proper pruning and care incorporating various organic and biodynamic farming practices. Ann Grace was aided by great mentors: Umberto Cironi, Gloria Preciado, Grace Family Vineyards manager Kirk Grace, and last but not least Dick Grace

http://www.gracefamilyvineyards.com/oliveoil.html

Posted on May 26, 2010 - by napavalleyolivegrowers

Villa Mille Rose EVOO

Villa Mille Rose, situated on the former Caymas Ranch, which was established in 1835 in Oakville, Napa Valley, is a 60 acre property comprised of vineyards, organic olive orchard, organic fruit orchard, organic vegetable garden, rose gardens and an authentic style Tuscan villa. The Italian style garden has boxwood hedges, a wisteria covered pergola, potted sculptured rosemary, and white and pink oleander intermixed with 100 year old olive trees and tall majestic cypresses.

The olive orchard at Villa Mille Rose was planted in 1996 and designed by olive oil expert, Maurizio Castelli of Castello Di Volpaia in Tuscany. The three Tuscan variety olive trees: Leccino, Pendolino and Frantoio make an outstanding blend.

The Villa Mille Rose Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a richly aromatic bouquet and a fresh grassy, pungent peppery flavor that can be poured directly onto pasta, bread, fresh or steamed vegetables, salads, and meats and fish directly out of the oven or off the grill. Their oil is certified Extra Virgin by the California Olive Oil Council.

villamillerose.com

Posted on May 26, 2010 - by napavalleyolivegrowers

Oliodessa Olive Oil

Marvin Martin’s passion for olive oil began in 1981, while attending the University of California at Davis. While at Davis, he worked as a chef at a grocery store called Corti brothers, which specialized in importing olive oil, and became intrigued by all of the oils he was working with. After graduating, Martin worked at Mondavi Winery as a chef, teaching at their Great Chef’s Cooking School while also working as a private chef for Danielle Steele.

Continuously working with olive oils for every portion of a meal, from garnishes on salads to olive oil ice cream, Marvin was motivated to focus on his passion of olive oil. He retired from being a full-time chef and went back to school to learn everything possible about olive oil. After attending many classes at UC Davis and becoming a “Master Taster,” Marvin began harvesting olives and eventually created his first extra virgin olive oil, Oliodessa. As the crop grew larger, Marvin added more Extra Virgin olive oils into the mix and eventually a few citrus oils.

Marvin earned his “Master Taster” license from the International Olive Council and California Olive Council upon completing a challenging test. He has also been on the California Olive Oil Council tasting panel for the past 10 years. On top of being on this panel and making his own olive oils, Marvin provides total concept consulting from orchard development to oil production, blending and education.

The 10,000 olive trees and 25 different varietals that Marvin manages are harvested each year around the second week of November. The olives used for the extra virgin olive oils are harvested first, and the olives that contribute to the citrus oils aren’t harvested and pressed until late December. The day the olives are harvested, they are transported and pressed at “The Olive Press,” which is now located at Jacuzzi winery.

Marvin creates four extra virgin olive oils and three citrus olive oils of his own while consulting for many other labels. Martin’s olive oils, which have all won gold medals at numerous tastings/fairs, include:

-Oliodessa EVOO