Mate Blend Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) - Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Bianchera & Busa Blend

Mate Blend Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (500ml) - Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Bianchera & Busa Blend

Blend, whose label is inspired by a selection of varieties grown in our olive grove and by the terroir - the red soil of Istria and the sea - offers a welcoming, fresh, medium-intensity green fruity aroma with a hint of almond, complemented by notes of apple and green banana, accompanied by a touch of aromatic herbs. The initial slightly sweet flavor gives way to vibrant, harmonious, and enveloping bitter and spicy sensations, with hints of thistle and chili emerging.

Skillfully blended with an elegant and delicate aromatic fragrance, it is perfect for enhancing the quality of both cooked and raw food. It highlights the intrinsic characteristics of each dish, making it ideal for inspiring creativity in the kitchen.

Frantoio variety: 

Hailing from the picturesque Tuscany region of Italy, the Frantoio olive variety is esteemed for its exceptional qualities. Its Extra Virgin Olive Oil is celebrated worldwide for its outstanding taste and aroma. Its flavor profile is characterized by a delightful fruitiness, accompanied by gentle hints of spiciness and bitterness. The aroma of Frantoio olive oil is a symphony of enticing scents, including fresh herbs, tomato, lettuce, artichoke, apple, grain, rosemary, celery, and almond, making it a true culinary treasure.

Leccino variety:

Leccino, a beloved Italian olive variety, flourishes amidst the picturesque landscapes of Umbria and Tuscany. Its cultivation has gracefully spread to regions like Lazio, Puglia, Abruzzo, Campania, and Marche, showcasing its adaptability and bountiful yield. Esteemed for its gentle flavor, Leccino olive oil holds a special place in culinary traditions. Its nuanced taste boasts a delightful sweetness harmonized with balanced hints of spiciness and bitterness. A true sensory delight, this exquisite oil invites you to savor its characteristic aromas, evoking images of fresh escarole, artichoke, almond, and a whisper of black pepper. 

Pendolino variety:

The Pendolino olive, originally from Tuscany, is prized for both its pollination capabilities and oil production. Known for its graceful, weeping branches (hence the name "Pendolino"), this variety thrives in diverse growing conditions and is often used to cross-pollinate other olive trees due to its abundant flowers. Its oil is light and smooth, with a golden-green hue, offering a mild, balanced flavor with aromas of green apple, almonds, and fresh herbs, followed by a subtle peppery finish. Ideal for finishing dishes and delicate dressings, it complements without overpowering.

Bianchera variety:

The Bianchera olive variety, native to the Istrian region, is known for producing robust, high-quality olive oil. This hardy tree thrives in harsh coastal climates and is highly resistant to cold, making it ideal for regions with cooler temperatures. Bianchera olives yield oil that is intensely green in color and bold in flavor. The oil is known for its strong, fruity character, with aromas of green herbs, artichoke, and freshly cut grass. It has a pronounced bitterness and a peppery finish, making it perfect for enhancing the flavor of heartier dishes, grilled meats, and robust salads. 

Busa variety:

The Buša olive variety, native to Istria, Croatia, is a traditional and well-respected olive, known for its resilience and rich history in the region. Buša thrives in the varied climate of Istria, producing excellent quality oil that is prized for its authentic character. The oil from Buša olives is golden-green with a mild, well-rounded flavor. It offers delicate fruity aromas, including hints of green apple, fresh grass, and almonds. Buša oil is celebrated for its balanced and smooth taste, truly reflecting the heritage and landscape of the Istrian region.

About Mate:

Nestled between Daila and Punta Salvore is a land steeped in centuries-old olive-growing traditions. Despite the challenges of harsh weather and historical changes, Mate Vekić, at 75 years old, held onto a dream of reviving these ancient practices. Inspired by his time in Tuscany, Mate planted 25,000 olive trees in Istria, breathing new life into the local olive farms. He began with renowned Italian varieties like Leccino and Frantoio, but soon shifted his focus to the ancient local varieties, Busa and Bianchera, restoring the region's rich olive-growing heritage.

After years of hard work, Mate’s farm earned a well-deserved place on the global map of olive oil excellence. Today, his vision is lovingly carried forward by Aleksandra, who has modernized the mill with the latest technology, ensuring that olives are transformed into oil just hours after being harvested. This dedication to both tradition and innovation has led to the creation of some of the finest oils in the world, a true testament to the passion and care that defines their work.

ElOlivo Review:

The Mate Blend is like a little treasure from Mate Farm, showcasing the very best it has to offer! This delightful oil is a charming mix of Frantoio, Leccino, Pendolino, Bianchera, and Busa varieties. It’s bursting with lovely aromas of green apple and green banana, with a sprinkle of green almond and a dash of fresh green herbs for good measure! 

On your palate, it brings a delightful dance of medium to high spiciness and bitterness, perfectly balanced like a harmonious duet. You'll find hints of thistle, chili, and black pepper playing together beautifully. Just like all the oils from Mate Farm, this one is, in our opinion, one of the best in the whole wide world! If you’re an olive oil lover, this is a must-try little gem, perfect for dressing up any dish, livening up salads, or just plain dipping! Enjoy every drop!

Origin: Istria, Croatia

Harvest season: 2023/24

Best before date: