Description
Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the Leccino, Frantoio, Casaliva, Pendolino and Sbresa olive varieties. The designation must be accompanied by one of the following additional geographical specifications: Sebino or Lario. These specifications have different production areas and different percentages of specific olive varieties in the groves.
Production Area
The production area of Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil is within the Lombardy region, limited to a few municipalities in the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo for the Sebino geographical specification, and in the provinces of Como and Lecco for the Lario specification.
Production Method
The olives must be harvested directly from the tree, either by hand or mechanically, by January 15th of each year. The oil extraction processes must take place within three days of the harvest.
Appearance and Flavour
Sebino: obtained from the Leccino (at least 40%), Frantoio, Casaliva, Pendolino and Sbresa varieties (up to 60%); it is greenish-yellow in colour, has a light to mild fruity smell, and a fruity flavour with a delicate hint of bitterness and piquancy. Lario: obtained from the Leccino, Frantoio and Casaliva varieties (at least 80%); it is greenish yellow in colour, has a light fruity smell and flavour, with a possible hint of bitterness and piquancy.
History
The history of olive cultivation in the production area of Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil dates back hundreds of years, as evidenced by documents and ruins of olive mills apparently dating back to pre-Roman times.
Gastronomy
Extra virgin olive oil is highly perishable and must be stored correctly in order to maintain its organoleptic properties. It should therefore be kept in a cool, dark place at a temperature between 14 and 18 °C, away from heat sources and other foods that emit strong odours. It should be consumed within 4-6 months of pressing to fully appreciate its flavour. Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil has a light, delicate flavour, which makes it particularly suitable as a condiment for fish dishes and starters. It is also used as in ingredient in cakes and biscuits.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil and is accompanied by one of the following geographical specification: Sebino or Lario. It is sold in glass or tin plate recipients of no more than 5 litres. The label must bear the indication Laghi Lombardi, followed by the wording Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the European symbol and the production year. The specific guarantee mark, which consists of a unique alphanumeric code that ensures the traceability of the product, must be on the packaging.
Distinctive Features
Laghi Lombardi PDO extra virgin olive oil is characterised by a maximum acidity that varies between 0.5 and 0.55 g per 100 g of oil, depending on the additional specification, and a panel test result higher than or equal to 7.
