The planning of the initial grove layout, tree variety
selection,
ground preparation, irrigation, planting and tree
care
based on the information and experience of Baerami
Olives,
Olives Australia Nursery and local agriculture
consultants.
To reflect the varietal diversity of Mediterranean
olive trees,
Spanish (Manzanillo) and Italian (Frantoio &
Correggiola)varieties were selected for oil production.
In addition, each 20 trees of Kalamata, Barouni,
Verdale and
Volos were selected for table olive production.
A total of 4000 trees were planted between November
1996
and March 1997. 800 Manzanillo were replaced in 2001
due to
insufficient oil yield with Leccino, another famous
Tuscan variety.
DNA testing proved that 160 of our Correggiola are
actually
the 'Colonial' French variety Bouquettier, enhancing
the diversity of the grove.
The grove's high altitude location with its cool
climate
and short growing season is very similar to the
world famous
groves in the Tuscan hills of Italy. With our total
focus
and commitment on quality instead of quantity,
we intend to match or even surpass the best
Mediterranean Extra Virgin olive oils.
Tender loving care for trees, soil and a happy team
will help us on our way. Hand-harvesting,
development
of ingenious fruit catching systems and strict
process
control guarantee that all fruit come straight from
the tree to the press without touching the ground.
State of the Art cold decanter press oil extraction
within hours
after
harvest secures
the best oil
quality with very low amounts
of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and very high amounts
of
Polyphenols and Tocopherols, the important
ingredients
of a healthy 'Mediterranean Diet'. Monitored oil
storage at
17ºC maintains highest oil quality until
delivery.
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