Coleman Collection #36

PRODUCER

Monte Olivo

CULTIVAR

Coratina

Harvest Date

May, 2024

REGION

Maipo Valley, Chile

Monte Olivo began producing oil in 1999 on the sunny slopes of the Curacavi Valley, expanding in 2003 its original 40 hectares to 230 hectares with plantings in the Maipo Valley. Today, with 800 hectares planted, Monte Olivo leads Southern Hemisphere world-class oil production.

Their diverse olive grove consists of Greek Koroneiki, Italian Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina, as well as Spanish Arbequina, Arbosana, Picual, and Hojiblanca trees. Each olive produces its own unique aroma, flavor and texture that can be used in blends or released as monocultivars.  Within hours of the harvest the fruit is cold-extracted at 26 degrees Celsius through two state-of-the-art processing lines.

The Coratina olive stems from Puglia but is cultivated throughout the world due to its high antioxidant levels.  Coupled with an early harvest, this oil has strong aromas of freshly cut grass and bitter herbs, an undertone of cinnamon, ending with a pungent, lingering black pepper finish that slowly trails off in the back of your throat. The cause of this intense peppery sensation – considered an attribute of high-quality olive oil – is oleocanthal, a natural phenolic compound that has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This style of oil, best utilized where the intent is to cut through and brighten up the dish, pairs well with heartier cuisines such as soups, tomato-based pastas, and charred seafood or meat straight off the grill. We also recommend that you smell and then taste it – on its own, independent of other foods – so that you can experience and then analyze its viscosity and flavor profile.

Chile’s entrance to the world’s main stage of wine occurred on January 3, 2004 when Eduardo Chadwick’s wine, Viñedo Chadwick 2000 from the Maipo Valley beat out French juggernauts from Bordeaux in a blind tasting.  It was the defining moment for a country that was written off as a reliable source for cheap and unexciting wines.  One wine writer at the time – prior to the famous Berlin tasting – likened Chile as “the Volvo of the wine world” – boring, safe, and reliably fair.  Twenty years on, Chilean wines are continuing to improve and compete in the market alongside the best from all over the world.  Carménère, Chile’s primary red grape variety, still plays the leading role and is characterized by dark plum flavors and soft velvety tannins. Some wines are approachable and great for your everyday needs, while others have heft and body that can age for years and serve as a highlight to any respectable wine collection.  Carménère is best paired with local dishes – among them Arrollado de Huaso (pork, chilies and spices rolled in fried pork skin) and Charquicán (slow-cooked beef with potato, squash, white corn, and onion).