OLEIFICIO BORELLI

Founded in 1984, this relatively new company has established itself as a major producer with branches in the U.S., Canada and France. It is also associated with Carbonell in Spain.

He range of oils available from Borelli includes specialty Ligurian and Tuscan oils as well as branded Borelli extra-virgin oil.

The Ligurian extra-virgin olive oil is pressed from 100 per cent Taggiasca olives grown on farms around Borgomaro in the Imperia Valley. Borelli's Taggiasca extra-virgin olive oil has a light apple aroma and tastes quite sweet and nutty with some pepper. It is a straightforward but attractive oil.

The Tuscan extra-virgin olive oil is pressed from a blend of 65 per cent Frantoio, 25 per cent Leccino and ten per cent Moraiolo olives grown on farms around Pieve a Elici, near Lucca. The fruit is harvested in December and January and is pressed in the traditional manner.

The Bordelli brand extra-virgin olive oil has a sweet, lemony aroma with a more herby and grassy flavour which is at its best when it is very fresh. The oil is quite rich and eggy without too much pepper. Occasionally the blend can be too sweet.