A HINT OF ELEGANCE - ANNOUNCING NEW SEASON OIL COLLECTION, 2022

NOVEMBER 2022

In this, our 24th annual harvest at the farm, we are proud to present Olio Bello’s 2022 New Season Oil and to announce 5 Medal Award Wins, at the WA Olive Awards.

In contrast to 2021, this year reflected a cyclical lower production year. We commenced harvest back in mid April, through the winter. 

Following pressing, our new oil (Olio Nuovo) was carefully stored in our controlled temperature storage facility, for around 3 months, to settle and clarify. The traditional and pressed estate oils, and our popular Infused oils, are then crafted and released to create our new season collection. 

The cooler weather of the early season, resulted in a slightly later start, but added considerable fruit flavour and ‘punch’ to our 2022 olive oils. Despite the challenges associated with a lower yield of olives, the parcels of fruit, still displayed outstanding integrity of fruit and higher oil content. 

Although slightly less robust and peppery in taste, we were pleasantly surprised, by the hint of elegance and sophistication in the new collection. We like to think of it like a Pinot, vs a Cabernet - in the wine world.

The delicacy in the oils, is consistent across the entire range.

Our more robust oils are the Romanza, Kalamata, Nevadillo and Premium Blend, with the Koroneiki, Arbequina, Kurunba and Leccino, displaying softer and more subtle textures. Either way, all are perfect for dipping, dressing and cooking!

Marioli Single Cultivar - Special Release 22

We are also happy to release to the market - ‘an old friend’ from the farm: the 'Marioli' variety from Italy, which we are releasing (in limited edition) as a Special Release.. It’s been four or five years, since we’ve featured the Marioli, as a stand-alone oil - and we think it’s an exceptional oil. 

Focus on Traditional Varieties

Due to a limited supply of oil this year, we have focused on our traditional, single-variety organic oil, with many of our popular citrus and infused oils, available in limited quantities only, until we can restock fully. We apologise for any disappointment.

Award Wins

Finally, we're excited to we announce that we’ve won 5 Medals, at the 2022 WA Olive Awards. This includes 4 Silver Medals and a Bronze.as below: 

Olio Nuovo Release (June)

In 2022, we crafted and released three Olio Nuovo (Liquid Gold) oils fo FOOBIES loyalty Club. These included a theme of Ancient Gem, Modern Blend and featured

 

  1. Frantoio - Tuscany, Italy
  2. Corregiolo - Tuscany, Italy
  3. WA Mission - Spain /New Norcia

The result, was a fresh, grassy and herbaceous oil, with a hint of artichoke and almond - which, surprised, with a slightly peppery, yet elegant and smooth finish. It was little bit of Italy and Spain, rolled into one oil and has gone on (post settling), to become our popular Premium Oil, for 2022.

When blending and planning our range, the diversity and foresight in the original planting of the olive trees, provides us great flexibility and creative options, at the time of oil making.

Storage and Settling

  • Following pressing, our new oil (Olio Nuovo) was stored in a carefully controlled temperature controlled storage facility for approximately 3 months to settle and clarify. The traditional and pressed estate oils, and our popular Infused oils, are then crafted and released in our new season collection.

Oil Maker’s Pick 2022

Although a cyclical low production year, this year has seen the emergence of some delicate ‘oils’ with a hint of sophistication. My personal favourite for 2022 - has to be the Koroneiki - for its fresh, herbaceous and subtle boutique elegance.”

Table Olives

In 2022, we continued hand-picking across the property (early in the season) for our range of table olives. and added Manzanillo and Pendolino to our popular Kalamata variety. We hope that you enjoy the contrasting colours, textures and flavours of our 2022 table olives - all rich in antioxidant and nutritional value.. These can be purchased from our farm shop, or online.

Community Pressing

Pressing for our local growers, and community, continued in 2022. As in previous years, Olio Bello pressed approximately 200 tonnes of olives, for external local growers during the season - which equates to over 35,000 litres of oil.

We congratulate all local growers and those across the State, for the continuing production of outstanding olive oils across WA and hold the strong collegiate spirit of the olive oil industry in Western Australia, to the highest regard.

Pruning

As a part of our continuous improvement in sustainable farming, we continued for the second year to roll-out our new pruning technique methodology, The process, which is backed by significant research, takes a substantial 'quarter' of the tree, each year and aims to revitalise the trees, maximise yields and improve overall tree health and prosperity - for sustained and improved growth, in the coming years.

Closing Comments

Our ‘Hint of Elegance’ olive oil collection celebrates the unique south west and reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable and organic farming methods,.

We thank everyone involved with the 2022 season: especially our pickers, production team and local growers.
We are extremely proud to be a part of the world-class WA olive oil industry and hope you enjoy our 2022 Collection.

“Although a cyclical low production year, this year has seen the emergence of some delicate ‘oils’ with a hint of sophistication. My personal favourite for 2022 - has to be the Koroneiki - for its fresh, herbaceous and subtle boutique elegance.”

Brett Roberts- Oil Maker + General Manager