LaStella Winery has just received their shipment of olive oil called ‘Intensivo’ from a biodynamic farm in Sicily, Italy care of fine food merchant Casa Gusta. ‘Intensivo’ is a regal olive oil with great depth and power.
The equivalent to the winery’s flagship wine: Maestoso “solo” Merlot.
What started as a personal project to source outstanding oils and vinegars for their own personal consumption soon became a side venture for the winery. The more friends tried their individually sourced oils and vinegars, the more demand was created for them. LaStella and Casa Gusta partnered in 2010 to collaborate and source small batches of specialty olive oil and vinegars, for sale to patrons of the winery.
“Each year we receive dozens of samples from growers in Italy that adhere to the same philosophies and exacting standards”, says Rasoul Salehi, managing partner of LaStella Winery. “After sampling our way through the offerings, we select a particular batch or put together our own blend to achieve an oil of unprecedented complexity and intensity. “
The olives for this vintage come from an ancient olive grove in Sicily. There were multiple dates for harvesting in October of 2014. Various picking stages give the oil different but complimentary qualities that provide balance and harmony. The olives were individually hand picked, directly pressed by mechanical extraction and cold pressed and bottled under argon gas to protect against oxidation. No compromises are made and the result is a fresh, full-bodied olive oil with an intense and complex bouquet hinting at artichoke, fresh cut grass, tomato stems and abundant notes of peppercorn.
Although there has been a global shortage of olives appropriate for making extra virgin olive oils, the strong relationship and like-minded philosophy between the winery and their Italian sources helped in making this small production of olive oil possible.
For information and to order: http://www.lastella.ca/product/olive-oil-mosto-cotto/olive-oil-intensivo-tonde-iblea/
About LaStella Winery:
Established in 2006, LaStella Winery is situated at Osoyoos Lake in the South Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. LaStella was created to capture the vision of la dolce vita: the harmony of fine wine, food and music with each of wine named for an Italian musical theme.
Follow LaStella Winery on Facebook, twitter and instagram @LaStellaWinery
Or sign up for their monthly newsletter to stay informed. www.lastella.ca
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I tried this olive oil the last time I visited the winery and it is amazing.