Description
Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil is obtained from the Coratina, Cima di Bitonto or Ogliarola Barese and Cima di Mola olive varieties. The designation must be accompanied by one of the following additional geographical specifications: Castel del Monte, Bitonto, Murgia dei Trulli e delle Grotte.
Production Area
The production, processing and bottling-packaging area for Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil is within the administrative territory of the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani, in the Apulia region.
Production Method
The harvest must be completed by January 30th of each year. The olives must be harvested directly from the trees, by hand or mechanically. The oil extraction processes must be carried out within two days of the harvest.
Appearance and Flavour
Castel del Monte: obtained from the Coratina variety (at least 80%); it is green with yellow reflections, with an intense fruity aroma and a mildly bitter piquant fruity flavour. Bitonto: obtained from the Cima di Bitonto or Ogliarola Barese and Coratina varieties (at least 80%); it is yellowish green, with a mild fruity aroma and a light fruity flavour with grassy hints and slightly bitter piquant notes. Murgia dei Trulli e delle Grotte: obtained from the Cima di Mola variety (at least 50%); it is golden yellow with green reflections, with a light fruity aroma and a fruity flavour with hints of fresh almond and a light bitter piquant note.
History
The presence of olive trees in the production area of Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil dates back to Neolithic times. However, the significant development in olive cultivation was thanks to the Romans, as evidenced by documents on the cultivation and processing of olives. Today, oil is an important product in the agri-food sector, and is part of the history of populations.
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. Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil is an ideal condiment for vegetables, bruschetta and crudité, while in cooking it brings out the flavour of the dishes. It pairs perfectly with the typical fish dishes of the Apulia region.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by one of the following additional geographical specifications: Castel del Monte, Bitonto, Murgia dei Trulli e delle Grotte. It is sold in glass or tin plate recipients of no more than 5 litres. The label must bear the indication Terra di Bari, followed by the wording Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and the specific sub-area, 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
Terra di Bari PDO extra virgin olive oil is characterised by a maximum acidity of between 0.5 and 0.6 g per 100 g of oil, depending on the additional specification, and a panel test result higher than or equal to 7.
