Cru #312 Picholine

Tenuta Venterra created CRU-312 to express the unique potential of Picholine when cultivated organically in the pristine landscapes of the Taranto peninsula. The olives are harvested at their ideal ripening stage and processed swiftly using oxygen-free extraction methods to preserve the cultivar’s delicate nuances.

The result is a monovarietal, organic extra virgin olive oil that has earned top accolades: in 2025, Gambero Rosso awarded CRU-312 Picholine the “Miglior Biologico” prize, recognising it as the best organic oil in its category among a field of 828 evaluated oils from 437 producers.

Cru 312 reveals itself with a soft yellow hue touched by golden reflections, opening gently with a fresh, medium-intensity fruitiness reminiscent of green grass, artichoke, and a whisper of oregano. As it settles on the palate, the oil unfolds notes of ripe apricot, creating a graceful contrast with medium spicy and bitter sensations that add lift and structure. The texture is smooth and composed, guiding the flavors into a perfectly balanced finish that makes this organic Picholine an ideal companion for dishes with more pronounced and expressive aromas.

Cru 312 is at its best when drizzled raw over dishes that welcome contrast and aromatic depth. Its clean fruitiness and subtle herbal tones elevate grilled vegetables, while the apricot note adds elegance to fresh cheeses. The balanced bitter-spicy structure makes it particularly well-suited for seafood starters and dishes featuring intense or savory flavors, where its organic purity and expressive character shine through effortlessly.

Tenuta Venterra is a family-run olive estate created with the clear mission of producing extra virgin olive oils of consistently high quality. Located in the heart of the Taranto peninsula, the estate benefits from a privileged geographic position, favorable climate, and exceptional environmental purity — including clean air and high-quality irrigation water.

The property extends across approximately 115–120 hectares, with 87 hectares planted with olive trees and additional land dedicated to future plantings and vineyards. The groves host traditional and native Puglian varieties such as Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina, Pecholine, Peranzana, and majestic century-old Ogliarola trees set across gentle hillsides.

Tenuta Venterra is cultivated according to certified organic agriculture, avoiding synthetic chemicals and respecting natural maturation cycles. The estate is characterized by a rich polyculture system where diverse olive varieties coexist harmoniously, enhancing biodiversity and flavor complexity.

Production follows strict quality standards: olives are carefully selected, processed using modern oxygen-free extraction technologies, and stored in temperature-controlled facilities. This meticulous approach results in extra virgin olive oils with a delicate sensory profile and lower perceptions of bitterness and pungency, while fully preserving freshness and varietal character.