Posted on July 8, 2010 - by napavalleyolivegrowers

Gleason Olive Oil

In 2002 the Gleasons planted 175 olive saplings purchased from Da Vero on the hillside above Summer Hill Vineyards.  Four Tuscan varietals in a specific proportionate combination were purchased.  Per Da Vero’s suggestions, as they make prize winning olive oil, the Gleasons planted an orchard comprising of 50% Leccino, 25%Frantoio,15% Maurino and 10% Pendolino.

Their first harvest in 2005 was so small that they had to combine it with fruit from several ancient Mediterranean trees that grow between the vines in symbiotic harmony.  These trees, with their enormous gnarled trunks, were planted on their property in the late 19th century by a Greek who owned the land at that point in time.  While the varietal of these trees has yet to be officially identified, they are most likely Picolines. The blend created has been pure serendipity; the flavor is full, fresh and unique and the yield is small as their oil is created from first crush only.

The Gleasons hand pick their olives between mid November and mid December, depending on how Mother Nature has influenced the ripening.  They like to have a good balance of green fruit to ripe fruit to create the smooth mellow flavor with a slightly green pungency.  The olives are handpicked and then rushed to Ukiah where they are crushed, the same day, at Olivino in Ukiah.

The oil is hand bottled in small batches as needed, while the rest of the oil is carefully stored in special barrels in a cool cellar.  To date, the oil has not been for sale so only friends and family have enjoyed this exclusive and precious bounty.

Gleason olives are all grown and harvested at Summer Hill Vineyards and Orchards on Lommel Road in Calistoga.