
New to Frantoi: Frantoio Ciccolella
Bowled over by the quality of these incredible oils, we have added them to our portfolio in Puglia, not out of need, but out of desire. Puglia is of course Italy’s most prolific olive oil region and because of this, we taste extensively and regularly. This always gives us the chance to discover something new and we have come close in the past to selecting new names to join the ranks but never crossed the line.
The Ciccolella family has been cultivating olives since 1878 in the territory that extends between Giovinazzo, Molfetta and Terlizzi just up the coast from Bari. Four generations have dedicated themselves to their holding of 8,000 trees with incredible tenacity and a true passion, but it’s fair to say that their oils made a massive leap forwards with the inauguration of their new frantoio in 2020, which is pristine and beautiful in every regard, allowing the team to express their meticulous even fastidious approach to their two cultivars, Coratina and Ogliarola Barese.
Giuseppe Ciccolella believes that he didn’t inherit his land, he’s actually borrowing it from his children and that is what inspires him to farm in the most careful way possible not only with full respect for his surroundings, but the long-term health of his soils and his trees, many of which are centuries old. This feels like the very best interpretation of the well abused word, sustainable. And we feel this transcends through the business – their packaging is also plastic-free and thoroughly considered.
These oils stand out for their elegance, precision and true varietal character making them extremely distinctive and excellent examples of what the stunning terre rosse can give. We will get more involved next year with these oils but we are truly thrilled to have them in our portfolio and to begin working with Giuseppe and his family. The results of their 2022 harvest are beyond stylish examples of this year.
For your first taste, try the Taste Around Italy box which includes Faresse, their monocultivar Ogliarola Barese, or ask us for a bespoke order.