Press Release October 2008

Morgenster Releases Unique New Olive Oil called Monte Marcello

Morgenster has established itself as the leading producer of South African extra virgin olive oil. Giulio Bertrand, Morgenster’s owner, is a native Italian and hails from Piedmont, Northern Italy. Giulio Bertrand has played a pioneering role in the South African Olive Oil Industry since he established the Morgenster Wine and Olvie Estate in the early 1990s. The latest addition to Morgenster’s range of  extra virgin olive oils is named after Monte Marcello, depicted on the front label, a beautiful Ligurian home, owned by Giulio Bertrand that is built around the tower that dates back to the 12th Century. Monte Marcello Extra Virgin Olive Oil is inspired by the traditional style of olive oil made by the oil growers of Liguria. The production will always be small and exclusive and it will only be made in years when Mother Nature intervenes (as she is wont to do). The Ligurian olives used to make this oil have a strange habit of occasionally maturing much later than normal; around March/ April in the European growing season and July/August in the Western Cape. . The late ripening of the olives produces a pale gold olive oil with a distinct sweetness and soft velvety mouth feel. This oil reminds Giulio of the olives that surround his home, Monte Marcello, hence it will proudly carry this name. The 2008 harvest has produced only 3000 bottles of 500ml.

Morgenster’s olive oil maker Gerrie Duvenage’s tasting notes:

The first whiff is of fresh very ripe olives. By warming the oil slightly with your hand the secondary aromas of sweet ripe apples and toasted almonds become more evident. The Monte Marcello Extra Virgin Olive Oil will present you with sweet creamy flavours, toasted almonds and creamed honey. It is a delicate oil that leaves you with a very clean finish. As you swallow the oil you will notice a soft, velvet and creamy sensation on the roof of your mouth with hints of vanilla and halva.

Serving this distinct oil:

This is a delicate oil; perfect to combine with delicately flavoured ingredients; think butter lettuce as opposed rocket, ice-cream made with this olive oil will produce spectacular results. Drizzle over your favourite fish, preferably grilled and delicately spiced, or trickle generously over freshly picked, warm, ripe tomatoes and of course it will be perfect with your favourite crusty Italian bread. Most importantly – Pour it, don’t store it!

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