In the picturesque village of Olivola, nestled in the heart of Monferrato, Azienda Agricola Oliviera has revived a centuries-old tradition: the production of extra virgin olive oil.
This area, renowned for its sun-kissed hills and winemaking heritage, also boasts an olive-growing history dating back to the early 1900s, when local olive oil was celebrated as a symbol of Italian excellence at the 1911 World Exhibition.
The revival of this tradition is thanks to Anita Casamento and her husband Michele Aquilino, who, in 2000, decided to reintroduce olive cultivation in Olivola. With dedication and research, they selected thirteen different cultivars to test their adaptability to the local climate, including Leccino, Picholine, Maurino, Carolea, Coratina, Pendolino, Moraiolo, Carboncella, Taggiasca, Grignan, Bianchera, Leccio di Corno, and Frantoio.
Today, the farm grows around 2,500 olive trees on eight hectares of southeast-facing hilly terrain at an altitude of 250 meters. The trees are cultivated without herbicides or chemical fertilizers, favoring manual methods and natural organic fertilization using manure and olive leaves. The harvest begins early, around mid-October, ensuring an oil rich in polyphenols and vitamins.
The company’s flagship product is L’Unico, a superior category extra virgin olive oil obtained directly from olives using mechanical processes.
Available in 25 cl, 50 cl, and 75 cl bottles, as well as 2 and 3-liter tins, L’Unico stands out for its medium-balanced fruity profile, with pleasant bitter and spicy notes that enhance its character.
The quality of this oil has been recognized by several institutions: in 2018, it received the Tre Gocce d’Oro (Three Golden Drops) award from the Bibenda Oil Sommelier Association, and in 2025, it earned a score of 92/100, achieving Cinque Gocce d’Oro (Five Golden Drops) and the distinction of Excellence of Italian EVO Oil.
Furthermore, entrepreneur Anita Casamento Aquilino obtained the official certification of Oil Sommelier, further strengthening the company’s commitment to promoting olive oil culture.
A major milestone was reached on February 24, 2024, when Olivola was officially recognized as a Città dell’Olio (City of Olive Oil), the first in the Piedmont region.
This recognition highlights the importance of olive oil production in the area and the role of Azienda Agricola Oliviera in enhancing and preserving this ancient tradition.
