It is made from the same variety as olive di Gaeta. Fruity, with an almond aftertaste and a hint of green tomato that makes it instantly recognizable.
What oil is produced in Gaeta
On the hills between Gaeta and Itri, olive trees belong almost exclusively to a single variety, Itrana: the very one from which olive di Gaeta are harvested. From Itrana olives picked for the mill comes an extra virgin olive oil with a distinct character.
Variety: Itrana
Appellation: Colline Pontine DOP, registered in 2010: Itrana from 50% to 100%
DOP Area: 25 municipalities in the province of Latina
Colour: From deep green to yellow with golden highlights
Flavour: Fruity, almond, fresh grass, green tomato
Data from the Colline Pontine DOP product specification (Qualigeo).
What the Colline Pontine DOP requires
- 48 hours: at most between harvest and milling
- 50%: at least, of Itrana variety olives
- 25 municipalities: in the province of Latina
- 33 °C: maximum temperature during malaxation
From deep green to gold
The colour of an Itrana olive oil falls between these two extremes. Harvest timing also plays a key role: Azienda Agricola Cosmo Di Russo, in Gaeta, harvests between the last ten days of September and the second week of December, explaining that September olives yield oils with the herbaceous, green notes typical of Itrana; December olives produce oils with a less pungent, smoother, and more complex flavour.
How to recognize an Itrana olive oil
Green tomato, Almond, Fresh grass, Fruity, Light bitterness, Light spiciness.
Green tomato is the note indicated in the DOP specification as characteristic of this oil.
Then there is almond in the aftertaste, accompanied by a fragrant herbaceous note. Bitter and spicy notes are both noticeable, ranging from light to medium.
On the label, look for “Colline Pontine DOP” or the variety indication: “Itrana” or “monocultivar Itrana”.
Four facts about the oil from these hills
Ten scudi for every hundred olive trees
In the 18th century, the Papal States rewarded those who planted olive trees in this way: it served to reclaim marshy land.
48,901 hectares
That was the number of hectares planted with olive trees in 1786 in what is now the DOP area.
One olive, two roles
Itrana is ideal both for the table and for the mill: olive di Gaeta and this oil come from the exact same plant.
Within two days
No more than 48 hours can pass between harvest and milling, and the olives are pressed only once: “re-pressing” is forbidden.
From the Colline Pontine DOP product specification (Qualigeo).
Who produces it and where to buy it
In Gaeta, Itrana olive oil is bought directly from those who produce it.
Azienda Agricola Cosmo Di Russo
The Di Russo family has cultivated olive trees for generations: at the end of the 19th century, the great-grandfather bought an olive grove in the Rave Revozze area in Gaeta, which still produces one of their oils today. In 2008, after completing his law studies, Cosmo Di Russo founded the farm alongside his father Pasquale and his brother Elio. The olive groves lie between Gaeta and Itri, and the variety is Itrana.
They produce four oils. Don Pasquale is the Colline Pontine DOP. Caieta is the oil “produced by the sea”. Allegria is the smoother one. Cava Rossa, from the family olive grove in the Rave Revozze area, is the cooking oil.
Don Pasquale was awarded best DOP oil in the medium fruity category by the Flos Olei 2021 guide, and in 2020 it won first place among intense fruity oils and the award for best monovarietal at the Ori del Lazio regional competition.
Where to buy: Gastronomia Di Russo Elio, Via Roma 106, Gaeta. This is the family shop: olives, olive oil, cured meats, and cheeses.
Phone: 0771 462201
How to use it
It is at its best served raw: over fish, vegetables, and bean soups. In Gaeta, it is also used in the dough and filling of the tiella and in the pan for the votapiatto.
Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat: between 14 and 18 degrees, it retains its aromas and flavour.
Itrana olive oil, in brief
What oil is produced in Gaeta?
Extra virgin olive oil made from the Itrana variety, the same as olive di Gaeta. The olive groves are located on the hills between Gaeta and Itri.
What is Itrana?
It is the olive variety typical of southern Lazio, also known as Gaetana. It has two uses: as a table olive (olive di Gaeta) and for oil.
What does Itrana olive oil taste like?
Medium to intense fruitiness, with an almond aftertaste, an herbaceous note, and a hint of green tomato. Bitterness and spiciness range from light to medium.
What is Colline Pontine DOP?
It is the protected designation of origin for extra virgin olive oil produced across 25 municipalities in the province of Latina, registered in 2010. The olives must consist of at least 50% Itrana variety.
Where to buy Itrana olive oil in Gaeta?
Directly from the producer: Gastronomia Di Russo Elio, at Via Roma 106, sells oils from Azienda Agricola Cosmo Di Russo.
