Venetian Olive Oil

Veneto is a northeastern Italian region stretching from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Once part of the Roman Empire, who likely planted the first olive groves, the Republic of Venice ruled this territory for over a thousand years, from the year 697 to 1797. Veneto officially merged with Italy in 1866. The city of Venice is the region's capital, while Verona, near Lake Garda, is the most populous city. The region includes the DOP areas Veneto Valpolicella, Veneto Euganei e Berici, and Veneto del Grappa. Favorable sun exposure coupled with the wind protection offered by rolling hillsides helped boost the spread of olive culture across the Valpolicella area as well as the abundant valleys near Verona. Production in this region is represented on Olive Oil Lovers by the company Frantoio Bonamini. The main olive varieties grown in Veneto are Grignano, Favarol, Frantoio, Leccino, and Rasara.