Spice Advice: Le Vigne Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Spice Advice: Le Vigne Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Wondering what makes an olive oil truly exceptional?

Or why some oils taste peppery while others are smooth and buttery?

Our guide to Spicewalla x Le Vigne Extra Virgin Olive Oil dives into all the details—from early harvests and high polyphenol content to storage tips and flavour profiles. 

We answer the questions you’ve always had about olive oil, giving you the knowledge to cook smarter, taste deeper, and make every drizzle count! This isn’t just an olive oil; it’s a masterclass in flavour, tradition, and Italian craft. Let's dive in 🫒

    At Spicewalla, we believe that the best ingredients tell a story of passion, place, and time-honoured traditions. 

    That’s why we are proud to introduce Spicewalla x Le Vigne Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a truly exceptional oil from the heart of Italy that Chef Meherwan Irani personally sought to bring to American tables.

    When a family friend shared a bottle of Le Vigne with Chef Meherwan, the oil’s vibrant flavour and smooth texture stood apart from anything he had tasted before. He immediately knew this was something special and made it his mission to become the first to import Le Vigne to the U.S.

    Now, this exquisite olive oil is available exclusively through Spicewalla!

    From the Green Heart of Italy

    Le Vigne is crafted in Perugia, Umbria, a region known as “il cuore verde” which translates to “the green heart” of Italy.

    This pristine countryside is home to the Colombella Alta Vocabolo Le Vigne estate, where around 1,000 olive trees grow on sun-kissed hillsides in the beautiful Mediterranean climate. This land isn’t just picturesque, it's part of the Umbria Colline del Trasimeno protected designation of origin, a mark of quality and authenticity.

    Le Vigne is all about thoughtful and sustainable farming from the ground up:

    • No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers have been used in recent years.
    • The land is grassed and mowed, not tilled, preserving topsoil and root systems.
    • Trees are pruned annually by hand to maximize sun exposure and fruit accessibility.
    • Only natural treatments, like kaolin clay and copper-based foliar sprays, are used to support tree health.

    Even the harvesting process is a labor of love.

    Starting in mid-October, each olive is picked by hand, using nets and manual tools to prevent bruising and oxidation. The olives are milled within 24 hours of harvest, preserving freshness and flavour.

    The Olive Varieties

    Le Vigne’s grove features a beautiful blend of classic Italian plant varieties:

    • Moraiolo, Leccino, and Frantoio: making up over 80% of the grove.
    • Pendolino: used primarily as a pollinator.
    • Ascolana Tenera: a small number for added character.

    This combination results in an olive oil that is fruity and fragrant with a pleasant bitterness and light spiciness, the hallmarks of a premium extra virgin olive oil.

    Early Harvest = Exceptional Quality

    Le Vigne is harvested early in the season, when olives are still green and polyphenol content is at its peak. The result is an oil that is not only flavourful but also rich in healthy compounds!

    The polyphenol levels come in at 584 mg/kg. Oils above 300 mg/kg are considered high-polyphenol, this is nearly double!

    Lab testing also confirms that Le Vigne meets the strict standards for extra virgin classification, with free acidity below 0.8% and peroxide value well below the 20 meq/kg threshold.

    Taste the Difference

    Spicewalla x Le Vigne Extra Virgin Olive Oil isn’t mass-produced.

    It's made in small batches with big heart, from a family estate that respects the land, the fruit, and the centuries-old traditions of olive oil making. With its bold and vibrant flavour, Le Vigne is the perfect match for our fresh spices and signature blends.

    Drizzle it over roasted veggies, swirl it into hummus, or shake up a simple vinaigrette. However you use it, this olive oil brings your cooking to life!

    Want some inspiration? Head to our blog for recipes that show off this incredible oil alongside our favorite spice combos.

    Limited availability. Infinite flavour.

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