Cuadrat Valley ELIXIR Bio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml) - 100% Pitted Arbequina

Cuadrat Valley ELIXIR Bio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500 ml) - 100% Pitted Arbequina

Carefully harvested at an early stage, our olives are pitted before undergoing the ten classic stages of olive oil production. The result is an exceptional aromatic profile, characterized by pronounced green fruitiness, enhanced flavor, and a more intense aroma compared to traditionally produced oils. On the palate, this oil is remarkably long-lasting, with an unexpected bitterness and spiciness—uncommon for the Arbequina variety.

On average, 12 kg of Arbequina olives are required to obtain just 1 liter of ELIXIR DÉNOYAUTÉE.

Ideal pairings: 

ELIXIR DÉNOYAUTÉE is the perfect companion for bitter salads, grilled vegetables, poultry, and white fish. Its delicate balance makes it an excellent choice for cheese tasting, where it tempers the intensity of blue cheeses while enhancing the freshness of soft and creamy cheeses.

What does 'pitted' mean? Discover the ancient secret!

As early as the first century A.D., the Roman agronomist Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella - a leading expert on olive trees and olive oil - documented an advanced milling technique in his renowned agricultural treatise. He wrote:

"For the production of oil, suspended millstones allow for the best execution because, depending on the size of the olives, they can be lowered or raised so that the stone does not break, which would spoil the flavor of the oil."

Inspired by this ancient wisdom, Cuadrat has revived the tradition of producing olive oil from pitted olives, resulting in an oil with a more intense fruitiness and a richer green hue.

Recent studies confirm that pitting enhances both the organoleptic and nutritional quality of olive oil, making it more resistant to auto-oxidation—a degradation process commonly observed in oils extracted using hammer mills.

Arbequina variety:

Arbequina, a traditional Spanish olive variety, ranks as the second most popular variety in Spain in terms of crop area. The olive oil derived from Arbequina boasts aromatic, sweet, and fruity notes, accompanied by a subtle bitterness. Common aromas associated with this variety include green grass, tomato, apple, banana, and ripe fruit. Generally, oils produced from Arbequina olives exhibit low oxidation resistance. To address this, producers frequently blend Arbequina olive oil with other varieties to enhance overall stability in terms of aroma, body, and resistance to oxidation.

About Cuadrat Valley:

The story of Cuadrat Valley is deeply connected to the rich heritage of Catalonia. In the late 1930s, Sebastià Cuadrat Realp had to leave his homeland due to the Spanish Civil War, saying goodbye to his grandmother’s beloved olive grove in L'Albagés and starting a new life in Bordeaux. Years later, his granddaughter, Evelyne Cuadrat Teycheney, saw a heartfelt opportunity to reconnect with her family’s origins when an olive grove in L'Albagés became available.

With the support of her husband, Patrick, their daughter, Caroline, and her cousin, the esteemed architect Josep-Maria Cuadrat Alventosa, Evelyne set out to revive her family’s olive-growing tradition. Together, they created a visionary estate, equipping their oil mill with cutting-edge technology to craft exceptional extra virgin olive oil.

In 2014, their passion and commitment led them to expand further, acquiring 90 hectares of land to cultivate sustainably, blending tradition with innovation. Today, they continue to produce PDO Les Garrigues Extra Virgin Olive Oil with the utmost dedication. Their exquisite Arbequina EVOO is a true reflection of their family's legacy—an oil that is not only unique but also a tribute to generations of hard work, love, and excellence.

ElOlivo Review:

This oil is truly one of a kind, crafted from Arbequina olives harvested in October. Its secret lies in a unique process—it’s made from pitted olives. Inspired by a recommendation from the Roman citizen Lucius Moderatus Columella, dating back over 1,900 years, the Cuadrat family has made an incredible innovation by producing extra virgin olive oil from pitted olives. A true manifestation of tradition and innovation at work - absolutely fascinating!

We've never tasted an oil milled with such care, blending time-honored techniques with a refreshingly modern approach. The oil itself has delightful aromas of banana, with notes of green herbs and almond. On the palate, it is smooth and sweet, carrying hints of banana and almond. Surprisingly, it also has a bold spiciness and bitterness, making it an Arbequina EVOO with a medium aromatic profile - just like its little sister, L'OLI.

This is a premium, carefully crafted oil made with great attention to detail. It is also wonderfully versatile in the kitchen - perfect for cooking fish and vegetables, yet equally exceptional for finishing dishes, dressings, or dipping. If you love olive oil, this is one you must try at least once in your lifetime. Enjoy!