Coleman Collection #28

PRODUCER

Rio Largo

CULTIVAR

Coratina/FS-17

Harvest Date

May 2022

REGION

Scherpenheuvel, South Africa

Though not yet renowned for its olive cultivation, several trailblazers are putting South Africa on the map with world-class oil. Leading this tightly knit community is expert miller Nick Wilkinson from Rio Largo. His grove is nestled in the Scherpenheuvel Valley, flanked by the Langeberg Mountains to the north and the Hottentot Mountains to the west. The forceful northwestern wind slams into the mountains and is redirected away from their olive trees, which thrive in an arid pocket known as a rain shadow. Much like the grape vine, an olive tree thrives when reaching for nutrients during a period of hardship, resulting in healthier fruit and vibrant, structured oil.

The most popular regional cultivars are the Frantoio and Leccino olives, but the varied and disparate microclimates are home to the Mission, Favalosa, I-77, Coratina and Nocellara among others. After a comprehensive review we’ve selected an early harvest single estate blend of Coratina and FS-17. The FS-17, also known as Favalosa, is a dwarf variety and clone of the famed Frantoio olive of Central Italy. The Coratina traditionally hails from Puglia in Southern Italy and is admired for its robust flavor profile and antioxidants. Both of these cultivars are hand-harvested when 85% lemony green and coddled to the mill within hours. The oil is meticulously cold extracted in a stainless-steel Toscana Enologica Mori mill, designed under the vision of Italian oleologist Giorgio Mori.

This oil exudes aromas of ripped herbs and freshly cut grass with a taste of almond, arugula, mint, slight bitterness, and an elongated peppery finish. Its balanced vibrancy makes it applicable to a plethora of dishes such as grilled seafood and vegetables while cutting through heartier cuisines like soup and charred red meat.

South African wine producers continue to make inroads toward higher quality wine and in doing so are improving the regions overall reputation. Grapes are grown throughout the southern and western regions of the country, with the hubs of production centered around the cities of Stellenbosch and Paarl. Wines produced near the coastal zones are clean, fresh, and bright and pair well with a variety of cuisines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc – referred to locally as Steen – lead the way in white grape plantings.

The leading red grape is Pinotage. It is a genetic cross between two well-known grapes, Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It takes on many different styles throughout the country, but the majority of Pinotage wines deliver fruit-forward notes with brambly dark berry flavors and subtle dried leaf and earthy aromas.