Flos Olei 2018 edition awarded Morgenster 98 points out of a possible 100, the fifth year that Morgenster has achieved this level and the only South African producer ever to have done so.
Throughout the world, 12 producers - South Africa 1, Spain 3, Italy 7, Chile 1 - were awarded 98%.
Owner of Morgenster Giulio Bertrand, is keenly watching the performance of his new season’s olive oil, as this is his first harvest to be extracted by his new, state-of-the-art Pieralisi press which he imported and installed at the beginning of the year. “It is the only one of its kind in South Africa and one of the first in the world to feature this most advanced technology. Because it is very efficient we retain even better flavour than before. The quality of our new olive oil is fantastic!” Bertrand said.
Morgenster extra virgin olive oils are available at selected delicatessens and retailers nationwide as well as from the Estate’s tasting room.
Retail prices: The Estate’s flagship Morgenster extra virgin olive oil is a secret blend of 14 Italian olive varieties. 500 ml retails around R130; single cultivar Don Carlo (a robust oil) and single cultivar Monte Marcello (delicate) extra virgin olive oils each around R144.
www.morgenster.co.za
What Flos Olei 2018 said about Morgenster:
Flos Olei had this to say about Morgenster: “This farm has been present in our Guide for some years and its growth has been praised and recognized. Also the present performance is very good and as usual is due to Giulio Bertrand’s dedication and enthusiasm. In 1992 he took over the farm, where wine has been produced for three centuries, and decided to aim also at olive growing. Today in the large estate of Somerset West the specialized olive grove takes up 50 hectares with 30 000 trees which produced 3 000 quintals of olives and 600 hectolitres of oil in the last harvest.
“There are two splendid Extra Virgin Morgenster, Don Carlo and the “basic” which is an intense limpid golden yellow colour with light green hues. Its aroma is clean and elegant, with hints of artichoke, lettuce and wild chicory, together with notes of mint, rosemary and sage. Its taste is full and strong, with a spicy flavour of black pepper and a distinct note of almonds. Bitterness is definite and pungency is distinct. It would be ideal on salmon appetizers, legume salads, marinated amberjack, stewed potatoes, bean puree, pasta with tomato sauce, stewed shrimps, tuna tartare, roast rabbit, grilled poultry, goat cheese”.