Tantalizing Tastes Gift Sampler

Share your appreciation for excellent olive oil with this selection of three fine selections. This Tantalizing Tastes Sampler includes the Organic, Costa del Riparo, the versatile Flaminio Fruttato, and the famous, Frantoi Cutrera Primo DOP.

Viola Costa del Riparo (Umbria): This organic selection is crafted from the olives of Moraiolo and Frantoio trees. It's both elegant and definite, with herbaceous notes, highlighted by hints of thistle, artichoke, and herbs. Ideal with raw vegetable starters and bean salads. It's a favorite on yellow squash soup, with mushroom dishes, and also to dress lake fish. Adventurous chefs include this as a healthy ingredient in fruit pies, apple strudel, and even chocolate cookies. Try this also with medium mature cheeses. Flos Olei (100/100).

Flaminio Fruttato (Umbria) is from Trevi, a small town in Umbria. Flaminio Fruttato’s olives grow in well-drained, stony soil. The olives are harvested in the first stages of ripening, by hand at the end of October/beginning of November and cold-pressed within 12 hours of picking. A blend of Moraiolo, Leccino, and Frantoio olives, it's a fruity, medium-bodied oil with an emerald green hue, pleasantly spicy with a slight bitter after taste. It pairs well with bruschette, salads, red and other grilled meats, and legume soups.

Frantoi Cutrera Primo DOP (Sicily): This is an authentic Italian EVOO that belongs in every kitchen. It is produced north of Ragusa in southern Sicily in an area known as Chiaramonte Gulfi. The winner of numerous awards over the years,  Primo DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a monocultivar made exclusively from local Tonda Iblea olives. These olives are cold pressed at the family's mill within six hours of being harvested from their organic farm. Expect a beautifully green-gold olive oil with intensely fruity notes and just a bit of spiciness. Hints of fresh cut grass and green tomato underscore a fresh, bright flavor and are balanced out by clear notes of balsamic herbs and sweet almond. Try this Frantoi Cutrera selection on roasted meats, salads, grilled vegetables, and fish. Flos Olei (100/100).

By sampling the differences between each, your appreciation for Italian extra virgin olive oil will increase threefold. See our suggestions for ways to use these extra virgin olive oils for cooking and finishing or let the recipient come up with their own concoctions. The three selections are boxed in rustic gift packaging.