A Journey Through The Olive Groves

PRUNING IN ITALY

Comments from our Italian producers; January-March

THE BADIA A COLTIBUONO ESTATE is located 450 -550 meters above sea level on the north facing slope of the Monti do Chianti. There are 45 acres with 7,200 olive trees.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GROVES?

We prune each tree every third year, pruning 1/3 of the trees each year. Each cultivar has specific pruning requirements.

In June, we start monitoring the fly situation by laying pheromone traps.

July – September we continue monitoring for fly infestation, if necessary, preventive spraying. We have been certified organic since 1994. Mow the grass, a cover crop which protects the soil.

MARINNA COLONNA

Masseria Bosco Pontoni is 395 feet above sea level. The olive groves cover 136 acres, more than half of which are certified organic. There are 15 cultivars of historic local varieties and experimental types of olives.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

April giving organic fertilizer to help pollination. Flowering at the end of May. We do not use chemicals but only organic fertilizers.

"In southern Sicily, the climate, the terroir, the wind and the sea breeze make our oil “special.” Centuries-old olive trees were preserved to honor the work of those who preceded us. Olive trees have been cultivated here for millennia. The extra virgin olive oils produced here are mono cultivar."

-Sylvia di Vincenzo Mandronova Palma di Montechiaro, Agrigento, Sicily

GALATEO & FRIENDS

We grow 100% Taggiasca olives named after the town of Taggia, home to this precious variety in the territory of Ponente Riviera dei Fiori.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GROVES?

In January / February the previous year’s harvest ends, followed by pruning. The Golden Rule of pruning is to leave the foliage light to allow air and sun to pass through it.

MELCHIORRI OLEIFICIO

90% of the olive trees grow on the terraced hills and 10% on the mountains. The territory is the most essential thing in the production of oil. Our region produces oil without the sea around; this produces an oil with very low acidity and polyphenols, very high natural preservatives.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PRUNING THE TREES?

The groves are full of smooth branches with light gray, narrow leaves that are always green and from February on tiny white flowers.