Liquid Gold of Istria
Heritage of Olive Growing
Olive cultivation in Istria dates back to Roman times, when amphorae of local oil travelled across the Empire. For centuries, stone mills, dry-stone walls and patient hand harvests shaped a culture rooted in land and season. Today, Istria counts millions of olive trees and has been named the world’s leading olive oil region by Flos Olei for more than a decade, affirming a legacy where tradition and excellence endure.
Our Olive Groves
Stewardship of the Grove
Meneghetti’s olive groves unfold across the red soils of Bale, where sea air and sun exposure shape fruit of clarity and structure. The trees are tended throughout the year with measured pruning, natural ground cover and careful soil management that preserves biodiversity and balance. Yields remain intentionally moderate to ensure concentration and purity. Harvested at optimal maturity, olives are transported immediately for cold extraction within hours, safeguarding aromatic precision and phenolic integrity. Rooted in traditional principles yet guided by contemporary knowledge, cultivation and production follow a disciplined estate philosophy where land, timing and restraint determine quality.
Varieties
Leccino
Originating in Tuscany and long embraced in Istria, Leccino is valued for its elegance and approachability. It yields a harmonious oil of gentle bitterness and soft spice, marked by notes of almond and fresh grass. Its balanced profile reflects adaptability to coastal climates and steady ripening.
Buža
An indigenous Istrian variety, Buža is deeply rooted in local tradition. The oil reveals pronounced fruitiness, green apple and artichoke notes, supported by lively bitterness and peppery finish. Cultivated for centuries, it embodies the region’s resilience and character.
Rosinjola
Rosinjola is a historic Istrian cultivar known for its aromatic intensity. It produces oil with distinct herbal tones, wild chicory and fresh leaf, accompanied by structured bitterness and persistent spice. Its character speaks of mineral soils and disciplined cultivation.
Bjelica
Istrian Bjelica is recognised for strength and longevity. Naturally high in polyphenols, it delivers assertive bitterness and pronounced pungency, layered with green tomato and Mediterranean herb. Traditionally prized for robustness, it remains a pillar of regional olive growing.
Estate Olive Oils
Discover Our Collection
Explore the full range of Meneghetti estate olive oils and experience the nuance of each variety. From single-cultivar expressions to carefully composed selections, every bottle reflects precision, origin and the disciplined care of our groves, inviting you to discover Istria through its most essential ingredient.
More to uncover. More to savour.
