Calabria is the tip of the Italian boot, and one of the regions with the highest level of olive oil production along with Puglia, Sicily and Tuscany. It is historically proven that olive growing was introduced in those lands by Greek colonists, as traces of their passage are also identifiable in the numerous centuries-old olive trees which can be found in Calabria. The climate of this southern region is strongly influenced by its wild mountainous territory, which pushes the altitude of the olive groves up to 200 m / 400 m above sea level, with the cultivations mostly located on the hills, and concentrated around Gioia Tauro and Sinopoli. In Calabria we can find olive varieties of the neighboring regions – like the Nocellara del Belice or the Coratina – as well as national and “international” cultivars such as Leccino and Frantoio, and precious autochthonous cultivars like Carolea, Roggianella, Grossa di Cassano, Moresca, Ottobratica, Dolce di Rossano and Sinopolese.
Calabria has 1 PGI and 3 PDO: Lametia PDO, obtained from the Carolea cultivar (at least 90% of the blend); Bruzio PDO, made of Tondina, Carolea, Grossa di Cassano and Rossanese, whose denomination is followed by additional geographical mentions, according to the production area: Prepollinic belt, Valle Crati, Colline Joniche Presilane, Sibaritide; Alto Crotonese PDO, made from the Carolea and Pennulara cultivars (at least 70% of the blend), and Borgese, Leccino, Tonda di Strongoli or Rossanese.
Only extra virgin olive oils, such as "Nonno Peppe", can make you understand what passionate people like the Rotella family are capable of, lovingly caring for the Carolea olive trees located at over 600 meters above sea level. Read more on our review.
Sassonia Blend EVOO is rich in distinct green vegetable notes; those flavours are softened up by spicy and fruity tones which make the olive oil taste well balanced and very pleasant.
