Coleman Collection #24

PRODUCER

Oakhurst

CULTIVAR

Coratina, Frantoio, Koroneiki, Nocellara, Arbosana

Harvest Date

May 2021

REGION

Tulbagh Valley, South Africa

South Africa boasts a group of exceptional oil producers, the best of whom have acquired knowledge from multi-generational Mediterranean masters. They’ve learned to plant the right cultivars in their appropriate microclimates, to properly prune and irrigate and to harvest the fruit at its ideal maturity. Using cutting edge technology, they’ve maximized the virtues of cold oil extraction.

Oakhurst, located in the Tulbagh Valley of South Africa’s Western Cape, has since 2004 crafted from young, healthy fruit exquisite oil blends. Renowned agronomist Carlo Costa manages the grove and nursery, and at the onset of veraison, oversees the fruit’s hand-harvesting. The olives are cold extracted through a modern Pieralisi mill within 24 hours of the harvest. Each filtered monocultivar oil is siphoned into its own sealed tank, allowing for flexible post-harvest custom blending, resulting in a vibrant oil with a pleasing aroma and mouthfeel.

The Coratina, Frantoio, and Nocellara cultivars originally hailing from Central and Southern Italy pack a dynamic herbaceous punch. The Koroneiki and Arbosana add to the blend a creamy, texturally rewarding component. These early-harvest oil blends provide undertones of freshly cut grass, balanced bitterness, and a delayed elongated peppery finish. This style of oil is best utilized to cut through and brighten up the dish. It pairs well with anything off the grill of dosed over soups, pizza/pasta, and is a natural addition to your favorite autumnal courses.

The warm South African growing area results in 85% of all vineyard plantings dedicated to white grape varieties. Most are clean, fresh, and effervescent with bright notes of acidity and salinity. Chenin Blanc, locally referred to as steen, leads the way for white grape varieties and produces a dizzying array of styles ranging from dry to sweet. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are also widely cultivated.

Pinotage, a genetic cross of the fragrant and aromatic Pinot Noir and the brawny, rustic Cinsault remains the dominant red grape variety. Wines produced from Pinotage are light to medium bodied with floral notes of raspberries, dark blackberries and subtle flavors of barnyard and underbrush. Being not overly heavy, they are ideal for the coastal fare of South Africa’s maritime cuisine. For exemplary versions of Pinotage seek out producers David & Nadia Sadie, Ken Forrester, and Glenelly Estate.