The Zuccardi family crafts this exemplary oil from 100% Arauco, the iconic olive cultivar of Argentina. First introduced to the Americas over 500 years ago, this cultivar adapted extraordinarily well to the climatic and geographic conditions of the Mendoza region. The Zuccardi family organically cultivates their olive groves at the foot of the Andes mountains and harvests the late-ripening Arauco in May, just as the olives have begun to ripen. Zuccardi's careful handling of these pristine olives allows them to obtain a monocultivar olive oil that is a true expression of the region's terroir. In Argentina, Arauco are also traditionally eaten as table olives known as Criolla.
2023 Harvest Notes
This oil is extremely aromatic, with notes of tomato and freshly cut grass. In the mouth it presents a complex, intense fruitiness, along with a balanced bitterness and spiciness—reminiscent of tomato leaf, arugula, and cardoon.
Ideal for finishing any grilled red meat, especially Argentine steak. Use in making chimichurri or Salsa Criolla (raw tomato and bell pepper salsa). Pour over spiced stews such as Estofado de Carne (Argentine beef and vegetable stew) or Chile con Carne.
Silver Medal - Medium Intensity, 2024 Los Angeles International Olive Oil Competition
Origin
Mendoza, Argentina
Size/Weight
500 ml.
