The origins
On the other hand during the Renaissance olive tree plantations were rearranged through a terracing system over the lake that lasts still today, known since 1968 as “Riviera degli Ulivi”.
The Garda olive oil has increasingly raised its fame and in 1997 it was registered under the European Union scheme of geographical indications and traditional specialities known as “Denominazione di Origine Protetta” (Protected Designation of origin). Today it forms part of the first five products of the Italian PDO olive oil list.
The lake shore holds numerous oil mills. The monks of San Giorgio Hermitage produce their olive oil too, through nine hectares of olive tree groves, including centuries-old olive trees; it further testifies the historic connection the monks have with this refined product.
Territorio e uliveti
The Olio Extra Vergine di Oliva Garda DOP comes from different areas of Lake Garda; they can be divided into three categories – “Bresciano”, “Orientale” and “Trentino” – depending on the specific production area.
It’s common knowledge that the Olive Tree (Olea europaea) grows in the hottest and driest areas of the Mediterranean as it does not need too much water but just sun.
The Garda olive oil plantations are the northernmost ones in the world: it depends on the particular Garda microclimate ; the lake makes the climate Mediterranean while the surrounding mountains make it mild by protecting the area from the cold winds.
Olio Garda DOP
The numbers of the Olio Extravergine Garda DOP Protection Consortium
- Colour: From green to yellow
- Smell: Medium or light fruity smell
- Taste: Fruity, sweet scents and almond aftertaste.
- Maximum sourness: 0.5% in oleic acid
Museo dell’olio and oil mills
The perfect place to deepen your knowledge of this product of excellence is the Museo dell’olio in Bardolino.
Here you can find all kind of information about the plantation and all the phases of the productive process.
The museum holds old and unknown instruments used in the oil mills between the eighteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, such as the majestic oak wood manual press machine; there are also other tools and furnishing dating back to different ages. Discover more through the museums page.
Detailed information about the Garda DOP Protection Consortium and its products are available on www.oliogardadop.it.