Tuscia: A Land of Excellence for Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Tuscia: Where Green Gold Is Born

Tuscia, an ancient Etruscan land in the heart of central Italy, is one of the regions most ideally suited to producing high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. Located in northern Lazio, between Lake Bolsena, the Cimini Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, this region offers unique soil and climate conditions that are reflected in every drop of our oil.

A Land Shaped by History

Olive cultivation in Tuscia has roots stretching back thousands of years. The Etruscans, skilled farmers, were among the first to recognise the potential of these hills for oil production. Traces of rock-cut mills and archaeological remains bear witness to a tradition handed down for over 2,500 years. Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia, home to our mill, is an integral part of this cultural and agricultural heritage.

The Mediterranean Climate of Tuscia

The microclimate of Tuscia is characterised by:

• Hot, dry summers that encourage the olives to ripen perfectly
• Mild winters that protect the olive trees from late frosts
• Temperature swings between day and night that enhance the development of aromas
• Well-distributed rainfall during the autumn and spring months
• Sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian that maintain an ideal balance of humidity

The Volcanic Terroir: The Secret of Quality

What makes Tuscia truly special for olive oil production is its soil of volcanic origin. The soils formed by the activity of the Vulsini and Cimini volcanoes are rich in essential minerals: potassium, phosphorus and trace elements that the plants absorb and transform into extraordinary aromatic compounds.

This unique terroir gives Tuscia oil its distinctive organoleptic characteristics:

• Fresh, herbaceous notes of artichoke and wild chicory
• Hints of green almond and unripe tomato
• A perfect balance between bitterness and pungency
• A long, enveloping aromatic persistence

The Canino Cultivar: Daughter of Tuscia

The Canino variety, native to this land, has adapted over the centuries to the specific conditions of Tuscia. This cultivar produces medium-sized olives which, harvested at just the right stage of ripeness, give rise to an oil of an intense green colour with golden highlights, a fruity aroma and a bold yet harmonious taste.

Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia: The Heart of Our Mill

Our mill stands in Villa San Giovanni in Tuscia, a small village that preserves intact the charm of the Viterbo countryside. Here, surrounded by hills covered with centuries-old olive trees, we carry on the Ottaviani family tradition that dates back to 1900.

This strategic location allows us to:

• Harvest the olives in our groves and deliver them to the mill within just a few hours
• Guarantee the utmost freshness of the finished product
• Oversee every stage of the production chain
• Offer visitors an authentic experience of the region

Discover Tuscia With Us

We invite you to visit our mill to experience the beauty of this region for yourself. During the harvest season, you can watch the olives being milled and taste the freshly pressed oil, a sensory experience that only Tuscia can offer.

Book your visit and let yourself be won over by the authenticity of our land and the quality of our Canino extra-virgin olive oil.