TASTING OLIVE OIL

Tasting Olive Oil: A Ritual of Scent and Flavor

Tasting olive oil is much more than a culinary exercise, it’s a sensory ritual, steeped in tradition and nuance. Like wine, olive oil reveals itself slowly, with aromas and flavors that tell the story of its land, fruit, and time.

The Art of the Glass

To begin, olive oil is best tasted in a slightly warmed glass, which helps release its aromatic profile. Place the glass on your palm, cup it gently with your other hand, and rotate slowly. The warmth will awaken enchanting notes — fruity, fragrant, and full of life — revealing whether the oil is freshly pressed.

Taste by Touch

In the mouth, olive oil speaks through its flavors:

• Sweetness is perceived at the tip of the tongue
• Bitterness along the sides
• Spiciness at the back of the throat

Each note offers a glimpse into the essence of the olive, the soil, and the season.

Taggiasca Olive Oil: Liguria’s Delicate Treasure

Western Liguria is home to the Taggiasca olive, a variety deeply rooted in the provinces of Imperia and parts of Savona.

What Makes Taggiasca Oil Unique?

• Low acidity and high purity
• Color ranging from golden yellow to emerald green
• Taste that is delicate, fruity, slightly sweet and subtly spicy
• Aromas hinting at artichoke and almond, with a light floral backdrop

This exceptional oil pairs beautifully with:

• Sautéed fish sauces
• Fried seafood
• Boiled or grilled white fish
• Fresh green salads with lettuce or lamb’s lettuce

Oil Tasting in Alassio: A Journey Close to Home

Alassio offers more than beachside charm — it invites you to explore the flavors of Liguria, just a few steps from Hotel Ligure.

Visit Frantoio Armato

Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, Frantoio di Aldo Armato welcomes visitors to experience the legacy of olive oil craftsmanship.

• Origins in Stellanello, among prized olive groves
• A family tradition dating back to 1871
•  A marble mill relocated to Alassio in 1968, still operating with timeless precision
• Cold pressing of Taggiasca olives to create one of the finest extra virgin oils for your table

Witness the transformation from fruit to flavor — a process rooted in heritage, stone, and passion.

Other Local Oil Mills Worth Discovering

Just a short trip to Albenga opens up more opportunities for tasting and discovery:

• Azienda Sommariva
• Antico Frantoio Garello
• Frantoio Marco

Each mill offers a unique interpretation of Ligurian olive oil, steeped in tradition and local pride.

Happy Tasting!

Whether you’re savoring a spoonful or choosing your favorite bottle to take home, let every drop remind you of the warmth, history, and beauty of Liguria.