Between a day at the beach and a walk in the center, in Vieste there is a scent that you don't expect: that ofextra virgin olive oil from PugliaBecause Gargano isn't just beaches and white cliffs, but also countryside, olive groves, and centuries-old farming traditions. And it's no coincidence that, as soon as you move inland, the light changes: the Vieste plain meets the greenery of the Park, and at the gates of the Umbra Forest, the olive tree becomes the protagonist.
Vieste olive oil perfectly encapsulates the region: sun, wind, Mediterranean scrub, and a family-run agricultural culture. It's the ingredient you find everywhere here, from gourmet recipes to traditional "poor dishes" (those that, once you taste them, you realize they're anything but poor). And if you want to truly understand this side of the Gargano, it's worth stopping for a moment and talking about those who produce the oil seriously, caring for every step as they once did, but with today's attention to detail.
Agricola Fratelli Spina: olive groves at the foot of the Umbra Forest
Among the most interesting realities of the territory there is Spina Brothers Farm, a company founded in Vieste, right on the plain that extends at the edge of the Umbra Forest, in the Gargano National Park. For generations, they have cultivated and personally supervised production, with a significant extension: over 25 hectares of olive groves Property.
The oils come exclusively from the company's olive groves, the olives are harvested at the right stage of ripeness and milled a few hours after harvesting. In recent years, alongside the historic Ogliarola Gargano (identifying cultivar of Gargano), have added other varieties selected to best express the qualitative profile of their extra virgin olive oils, such as the Coratin , among the reference cultivars for theApulian Oil, and the highly appreciated Itran.
This path of research and attention to quality has led the company to be award-winning in the main national and international olive oil competitions, and their single-variety products are consistently mentioned and awarded in sector guides.
Monovarietals: three oils, three personalities (and three ways of telling the story of Gargano)
Aurora it is the monovarietal from Ogliarola Gargano, the historic cultivar of Gargano. It is distinguished by a medium fruity with fresh notes of almond and freshly cut grassThe palate opens with a sweet, herbaceous note, with almonds taking center stage, followed by a medium-intensity bitterness with hints of leaves and wild arugula. The finish is balanced, with a spicy, multifaceted spiciness that accompanies without ever overpowering, maintaining a pleasant overall harmony.
Valere, single variety from Itran, expresses a more intense and decisive aromatic character. The olfactory profile is rich, with notes of tomato leaf, tomato berry and fresh herbs. Lively vegetal sensations immediately emerge in the mouth, followed by balsamic nuances of aromatic herbs and an elegant bitterness that recalls wild rocket. The spiciness arrives at the finish with hints of green pepper and black pepper, well integrated with the balsamic component and with a broad and persistent taste progression.
The quality of Vàlēre has been recognized several times in the main competitions in the sector: Two Red Leaves of the Red Shrimp, Sol d'Oro – Great Mention, Gold Medal EVO IOOC, Gold JOOP Japan and double recognition to the Golden Mignola including Best Oil of Vieste and 1st place for Intense Fruity. A list of winners that confirms its strong identity and ability to stand out even in international contexts.
Don Aldo arises from Coratin, a cultivar from Puglia famous for its structure and intensity. The fruitiness is medium-intense, with references to almond, artichoke and olive leafThe palate opens with sweet notes of fresh almond and artichoke stem, gradually blending with bitter notes of bitter almond and chicory, giving character to the taste. The finish is long and dynamic, with a hint of chili pepper and subtle hints of black pepper: the bitterness and spiciness alternate, creating a persistent and multifaceted aromatic profile.
Don Aldo also received important awards, including the Two Red Leaves of the Red Shrimp, the Great Mention at the Mignola d'Oro , Gold Medal EVO IOOC, as evidence of a consistent and recognized quality.
On vacation in Vieste, you fall in love with the sea, it's true. But it's often the olive oil that becomes the most authentic souvenir you take home: an extra virgin olive oil that embodies the technical, agricultural, and cultural heritage of a region.
