LeFerre Multivarietale: A Puglian Symphony in Extra Virgin Olive Oil

An In-Depth Analysis by an Olive Oil Sommelier

Overview

In the world of premium extra virgin olive oils, LeFerre Multivarietale stands out as a true ambassador of the rich Puglian olive oil tradition. This exceptional olive oil, originating from the sunny plains of Puglia in southern Italy, represents a masterful harmony between four noble olive varieties: Leccino, Ogliarola, Frantoio and Coratina. As an olive oil sommelier who has studied the nuances of Mediterranean oils for years, I can say with certainty that this blend shows a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, intensity and elegance.

The LeFerre Multivarietale has recently received international recognition by obtaining the prestigious “Three Leaves” distinction in the Oli d’Italia guide of Gambero Rosso 2025 – the highest honor that can be awarded to an olive oil. This recognition positions the oil in the absolute top level of Italian extra virgin olive oils, an achievement that underlines the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the producer.

The Producer: LeFerre's View on Puglian Tradition

LeFerre has established itself as an innovative force within the traditional Puglian olive oil industry. Located in the heart of Puglia, where olive trees have been rooted in chalky soil for millennia, LeFerre brings a fresh approach to the age-old art of olive oil production. Their philosophy revolves around three pillars: uncompromising quality, respectful innovation, and the honest expression of terroir.

The company distinguishes itself by combining their modern extraction techniques with respect for traditional methods. This hybrid character is reflected in their products, which both preserve the authentic flavors of Puglia and meet the highest international quality standards. Their focus on the terroir - the unique combination of soil, climate and tradition - results in olive oils that have a clear sense of place.

Varieties & Terroir: A Quartet of Puglian Excellence

Leccino: The Elegant Basic

The Leccino olive forms the elegant base of this blend. Originally from Tuscany but perfectly adapted to the Puglian climate, this variety brings a refined fruitiness and a silky texture. Leccino is known for its mild, almost sweet character with subtle green notes. In the context of this blend, it acts as a harmonizing force that tempers the more assertive characters of other varieties.

Ogliarola: The Puglian Soul

Ogliarola Salentina is the native pride of Puglia, a variety that has thrived in this region for centuries. This olive brings a distinctive Mediterranean character with hints of wild herbs, maritime influences and the mineral complexity of the Puglian soil. Ogliarola adds an authentic regional identity to the blend, with its characteristic slightly bitter undertones and a pleasant grassiness.

Frantoio: The Tuscan Intensity

Frantoio, the king of Tuscan olive varieties, brings structure and intensity to this Puglian blend. This variety is known for its high polyphenol content and its ability to develop complex aromatic profiles. Frantoio contributes to the oil’s bitter and spicy components, essential elements that indicate high quality and fresh processing.

Coratina: The Powerful Finale

Coratina, another Puglian native variety, forms the powerful backbone of this blend. Known for its intense, almost peppery character and its exceptionally high antioxidant content, Coratina gives the oil its characteristic spicy finish. This variety is responsible for the “throat tickle” that characterizes high-quality extra virgin olive oils.

Harvest & Processing: Perfection in Timing

Harvest period: October 2024

The October 2024 harvest represents an optimal moment in the olive ripening. This timing, earlier than the traditional November harvest, is a deliberate choice that results in olives with a higher polyphenol content and a more intense flavor. The early harvest requires more craftsmanship and precision, but produces olive oil with superior health benefits and flavor intensity.

Extraction process

Processing takes place within hours of harvesting, a crucial factor for preserving the oil's fruitiness and nutritional value. The cold extraction process, carried out at temperatures below 27°C, guarantees that all the delicate aromas and nutrients are preserved. This method, although less efficient than hotter extraction, is essential for producing olive oil of the highest quality.

Sensory Analysis: A Professional Tasting

Visual Assessment

The LeFerre Multivarietale presents itself as a green olive oil with golden reflections, a visual indication of the early harvest and the presence of chlorophyll and carotenoids. The oil has a medium to high density, which indicates a good extraction and minimal filtering. When tilting the glass, the oil forms elegant drops that slowly slide down - a sign of quality and freshly pressed olives.

Aromatic Profile

First nose (direct):

• Freshly cut grass (dominant)
• Green tomato leaf
• Artichoke heart
• Subtle pine needle tones

Second nose (after opening):

• Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano)
• Green almond
• Light floral notes
• Hints of green apple

Third nose (after 5 minutes):

• Complex herbal infusion
• Subtle mineral notes
• Eucalyptus shades
• Light notes of wild fennel

Taste analysis

Attack (first impression): The oil opens with a medium-intense fruitiness that immediately reveals its Mediterranean character. The first sensation is fresh and lively, with a pleasant oily texture that fills the mouth without feeling heavy.

Heart (middle of the taste): In the heart of the taste the complexity of the four varieties develops. The Leccino brings softness, the Ogliarola adds regional character, while Frantoio and Coratina provide structure and intensity. Here the typical bitter notes manifest themselves - not aggressive, but clearly present as evidence of quality.

Finish (finale): The finish is dominated by the characteristic spiciness of the Coratina, a pleasant "throat tickle" that lasts for a few seconds. This spiciness is well balanced and not overwhelming, a sign of expert blending and optimum ripeness of the olives.

Flavor intensity: 5/10 (Medium) Bitterness: 4/10 (Medium-light) Spicy: 5/10 (Medium)

Polyphenols & Health Aspects

Although the exact polyphenol content has not been publicly disclosed, the sensory characteristics - particularly the bitterness and pungency - indicate a significant content of these valuable antioxidants. The early harvest in October and the presence of varieties such as Coratina and Frantoio, known for their high polyphenol concentration, suggest an oil with significant health benefits.

Polyphenols are responsible for:

• Antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Cardiovascular protection
• Delay of oxidation processes in the oil itself

The balance of flavor and health benefits in this oil is exemplary, with the natural bitterness and pungency – often shunned by consumers – actually being indicators of the presence of these valuable compounds.

Culinary Applications: Versatility in the Kitchen

Raw Applications (Finishing)

The LeFerre Multivarietale excels as a finishing oil, where the complex flavour profiles come into their own without heating:

Salads:

• Ideal for robust salads with bitter greens (rocket, chicory, radicchio)
• Perfect partner for tomato salads, where the green tomato aromas blend harmoniously
• Excellent in combination with