The Itrana Olive

The Soul of Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The signature olive of the Colline Pontine

There is one olive variety that, more than any other, embodies our region. It is the Itrana, a native cultivar that has been grown for centuries in the Lepini, Ausoni, and Aurunci Mountains, where the mild climate, proximity to the sea, and soil conditions allow it to develop its unique characteristics.

Most of the Colline Pontine DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from this variety, which is recognized as one of the finest examples of Italian olive cultivation for its balance, elegance, and unmistakable aromatic profile.

An Important Chapter for the Colline Pontine DOP

In 2004, during the national training program for inclusion on the List of Expert Tasters of Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Paolo Fiormonti, an olive oil miller from Priverno and now the owner of the Orsini Farm along with his family, brought with him a sample of oil made from Itrana olives.

The sample was tasted by panel leader Giulio Scatolini, who was particularly impressed by it, recognizing the characteristic aroma of green tomatoes as one of the cultivar’s distinctive features.

That discussion sparked a series of in-depth studies that helped define more precisely the organoleptic characteristics included in the specifications for Colline Pontine DOP olive oil.

It is a small but significant chapter in the history of olive growing in the Pontine region, and the Orsini family is proud to have been a part of it.

PAOLO FIORMONTI

Why is it known as 'Oliva di Gaeta'?

Many people know it as Oliva di Gaeta, but its real name is Itrana.

The name “Oliva di Gaeta” stems from the commercial history of this region. For centuries, olives harvested in the Pontine hinterland were transported to the port of Gaeta, from where they were shipped to numerous markets throughout Italy and the Mediterranean. It was the port itself that made them famous, to the point that the product came to be identified by the city’s name.

The cultivar, however, is always the same: Itrana.

An unmistakable flavor profile

The oil made from Itrana olives is characterized by a medium-intensity fruitiness and a perfect balance between bitterness and pungency.

Its most distinctive feature is the scent of green tomato, accompanied by herbaceous notes and hints of artichoke and fresh almond. An elegant aromatic profile that makes Colline Pontine oil instantly recognizable.

Rich in polyphenols and natural antioxidants, it is ideal for enhancing simple dishes, vegetables, legumes, white meats, and fish.