Olive trees, with their silver foliages, have always characterizes the land-
scape of the Marche, along with wheat and vines. In the Middle Ages, the
“de marchia” oil was sold to Venetian merchants and Florence at a price
that was higher than other oils because of its taste and colour ... The oil
of the Marche region, therefore, had its own identity and its value, which
still today are determined by a rich and varied genetic heritage, source of
biodiversity. There are about 20 native varieties of olive trees in the Marche,
popular over the centuries in rather limited areas. They were empirically
selected by the growers according to the tolerance to major climatic and
parasitic adversity; in that way, they were able to ensure the quality and
typicality of the product. In addition to Leccino and Frantoio, which are
spread all over the country, we find Raggiola, that is more common in the
province of Pesaro Urbino, Raggia and Rosciola Colli Esini in the province
of Ancona, accompanied by Mignola in the province of Macerata. In addi-
tion to Mignola we find Piantone di Mogliano, Coroncina and Orbetana.
In the province of Fermo we find Sargano and Piantone of Falerone. Car-
boncella, and Ascolana Tenera are in the province of Ascoli Piceno. And
even among the minor varieties Capolga, Oliva grossa, Cornetta, Sargano
of San Benedetto, Nebbia of Menocchia, Lea ....
This guide shows the mono-varietal oils produced in the 2013-2014 cam-
paign, admitted to the
11
th
National Festival of mono-varietal oils
, se-
lected by the Regional Panel ASSAM - Marche, recognized by th e I.O.C.
(Internation Oil Council) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
a
treasure
tobediscovered:
M
arche
Mono
-
varietal oils
