South African Extra Virgin Oli

South African Extra Virgin Olive Oil shines among Italian stars

Morgenster extra virgin olive oil comes from Morgenster Estate in Somerset West outside Cape Town in South Africa. On 1 December 2013, in Rome, it was awarded the top score of 98 points out of a possible 100 in the international Flos Olei competition, and it was also jointly awarded the accolade “Made with Love” by the editors. It is one of only 11 oils to be awarded this score. The other ten farms are in Spain (two), Italy (seven) and Chile (one).

South African Extra Virgin Oli

Morgenster extra virgin olive oil comes from Morgenster Estate in Somerset West outside Cape Town in South Africa. On 1 December 2013, in Rome, it was awarded the top score of 98 points out of a possible 100 in the international Flos Olei competition, and it was also jointly awarded the accolade “Made with Love” by the editors. It is one of only 11 oils to be awarded this score. The other ten farms are in Spain (two), Italy (seven) and Chile (one).

Giulio Bertrand, owner of Morgenster, who accepted the award, commented: “This is the fifth year in a row that our oil has been amongst the highest scoring in the Flos Olei guide. This year, receiving the highest score ever bestowed on an oil by such a top international panel of judges, makes me very proud to bring this award home to South Africa”.

Bertrand said that the combination of Italian trees and expertise, an exceptional South African terroir and a rigid approach to quality at every stage of production have enabled Morgenster to achieve this level of excellence.
Available from independent delicatessens, London food halls such as Harrods, Selfridges and Whole Food Market, as well as Waitrose stores nationwide.

Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil retails for around £14.95 for a 500 ml bottle.

About Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil

“Where there is passion, there is no compromise” – Giulio Bertrand

When Bertrand moved from Italy to South Africa in 1992 and bought Morgenster, he found that good quality extra virgin olive oil was not being produced locally. When he learnt that the farm’s terroir could produce olive oil and wine in line with the best in the world, he established a long-term partnership with Prof. Giuseppe Fontanazza of the Italian Institute of Olive Research in Perugia. As a result Bertrand imported 2000 olive trees covering 14 different cultivars originating from the north to the south and the islands of Italy, and established them in his nursery. The farm now has over 50 hectares of olive groves covering 17 Italian cultivars. Prof Fontanazza visits Morgenster during harvest to ensure that the most up-to-date farming and processing practices are used.

Flavour profile:

Morgenster Extra Virgin Olive Oil bursts with multiple layers of flavour. We quote Flos Olei’s description: “We recommend the Extra Virgin Morgenster, which is an intense limpid golden yellow colour with slight green hues.

Its aroma is definite and elegant, rich in vegetal hints of freshly mown grass, artichoke and chicory, together with distinct notes of mint and rosemary.

Its taste is full and strong, with a flavour of thistle, lettuce and black pepper. Bitterness and pungency are distinct and balanced, with a sweet almond finish.

It would be ideal on steamed beans, tomato salads, marinated salmon, vegetables au gratin, chanterelle mushroom soups, risotto with artichokes, stewed shellfish, roast fish, baked rabbit, grilled poultry, goat cheese”.

Morgenster and The Oil Merchant:

In 1995 Charles Carey of The Oil Merchant, UK, and Giulio Bertrand met, not in an olive grove,  but at Heathrow airport. It did not take long for Giulio to persuade Charles to import his oil. A taste was enough… The Oil Merchant has been distributing his oil successfully since then and Morgenster is

The Oil Merchant’s only “new world” oil. www.oilmerchant.co.uk

Charles Carey commented: “I am proud to see this excellent olive oil on the shelves of independent delicatessens, London food halls such as Harrods, Selfridges and Whole Food Market, as well as Waitrose stores nationwide, where its quality and value-for-money can be fully appreciated”.