The beautiful Selvapiana estate is owned and managed by Federico Giuntini Masseti – it has been in his family since 1827.
Selvapiana Extra Virgin olive oil is made from mainly Frantoio olives grown at 250-300 metres above sea level. This is a late ripening variety, so the olives are greener when picked, resulting in a spicy, green oil.
Selvapiana is situated in the Sieve Valley, northeast of Florence, where a cool current of mountain air is funnelled through a pass in the Apennines down the valley. This makes it one of the coolest grape and olive growing regions in Tuscany, giving oils that are among the greatest and most spicy in Tuscany.
Ultra-modern, stainless steel continuous presses are used. Most experts now agree that this method of pressing results in fresher, cleaner oils that retain their colour and fruitiness for a longer period of time. The oil was settled in a mixture of terracotta orci (urns), and stainless steel. It was bottled after a light filtration through cotton.
The oil is vivid green in colour with great viscosity, it has fresh and clean aromas with notes of artichoke, freshly cut grass and green tomatoes. On the palate, it is ripe and viscous with lovely purity and intensity and a spicy, peppery character on the finish – delicious.