Pantarei Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva 2021 500ml

Arianna Occhipinti is considered one of the stars of Italian viticulture in the younger generation. She developed her love of olive trees during her time in Vittoria, Sicily. The Pantarei Extra Vergine comes from the Tondo Iblea olive variety from an ancient olive grove located in Chiaramonte Gulfi. The oil is traditionally cold pressed after manual harvesting in late October. For Ariana, it usually marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of autumn. She wants to continue to develop and cultivate this tradition.

Intense bright golden yellow with green reflections

The nose of Arianna Occhipinti's 2021 olive oil is wonderfully racy and grassy. Wet, freshly cut grass is reminiscent of the typical Alemannic, Saturday gardening with the lawn mower. Nettle, chervil and parsley provide further green, but above all tart aromas. Artichoke as well as fennel and thus also aniseed support this idea in a vegetal way. Green almonds and pistachios open up another level. Sage provides a Mediterranean component. White pepper and cubeb pepper add spicy and ethereal accents. Very good nose.

On the palate, it is very harmonious and well balanced. The racy character remains, but the mouthfeel is now much oilier, softer and rounder than the nose suggested. I would describe the bitter notes as medium-bodied. The spiciness, on the other hand, is more intense. This supports the racy character of this Sicilian gem. A restrained acidity radiates lightness and elegance. The aromas of the above-mentioned vegetables and herbs come through perfectly and clearly characterise the aftertaste.