History

“In the past, the process of olive production moved at a much slower pace and a good portion of the time, up to 5 or 6 hours a day, was spent in front of the mill’s grinder where conversations revolving around the busy harvest were shared with fellow neighbours.

It was here I felt at home, so much so that the mill became my first refuge when I, ‘occasionally’, skipped school. Among the memories, I fondly recall the years when my uncle and I would see the ‘new’ oil pour out of the funnel and, punctually, after our first taste, proudly pronounced it to be even better than the previous year. My vocation called and I decided I couldn’t live with only the memories and thoughts that jumped to mind every time I saw the tractors and carts from the local olive farms passing through my home town during the annual harvest.” These were the emotions that motivated me to create and become the main caretaker of the Montigiani farm.

In 2016, after a few experiences abroad and a wish, which was becoming less remote, to be closer to my roots and develop my territory, I decided to return to my home in Pietrapiana, a hamlet of Reggello, to focus on myself and olive cultivation.

The management of the initial plots brought the earliest fruits of my labour to the table, when the first two selections, Delicato and Deciso, were shared with family, friends and new clients. In 2018, to match both my contagious enthusiasm and a growing production, a new Biologico (Organic) selection was created. An opportunity of diversification, which further enriched production and one I consider ‘a feather in my cap’, is the Diamond selection. This is a superior extra virgin oil produced in a limited quantity and possible only thanks to a specific selection of trees (based on sun exposure), handpicked olives (based on maturity) and a different pressing process. Our latest addition is the other me which took the name of Alter Ego in 2020 when I decided to produce an oil of more versatile flavour to meet the needs and desires of our clients and to compliment and enhance culinary arts.

Moved by a continuous propensity for innovation, I decided to enter into the market of spirits with the gin EXTRAVIRGIN, a London Dry of olive oil flavour with characteristics unique to the world.