“superior quality on your table.”
Character and personality
a unique flavor
At La Encomendiña, we produce extra virgin olive oil from the Arbequina variety, made with 100% olives from our own groves. The harvest is early (September), and the oil is cold-pressed. The result is a smooth, fruity, and clean-tasting oil that works well both raw (on salads, bread, fresh cheese) and in dishes where you don’t want the oil to overpower the other flavors.
Its green notes of almond, tomato and fresh grass give it all the personality of an oil with character, but very subtle on the palate and without the bitterness and spiciness characteristic of other varieties.
- Fresh and balanced sensory profile
- Green almond, tomato and fresh herbs notes
- Smooth on the palate, with no bitterness
100% Arbequina, 100% Premium Quality
gastronomic GEM
The Arbequina olive takes its name from Arbeca, in Lleida. It is believed to have arrived on the Iberian Peninsula in the 17th century, brought by the Duke of Medinaceli, and since then has spread throughout Catalonia, Aragon, and, more recently, Andalusia and Extremadura. In areas like ours, the variety has found a soil and climate that suit it particularly well: long summers, mild winters, and deep soil.
Naturally low in bitterness and pungency, it has become a favorite among gourmet consumers worldwide. A true gem of the Mediterranean diet.
- Soft, sweet flavor
- Fruity, pleasant aroma
- Brilliant golden-green color
Exceptional freshness and superior taste
early harvest
At La Encomendiña we are committed to harvesting when the olives still retain all their freshness and a higher concentration of antioxidants. The exceptional quality resulting from this process reflects our commitment to excellence and fully justifies the effort. It is, without a doubt, our greatest pride.
We harvest in September, before the olives are fully ripe. Green fruit yields fewer liters per kilo, but the resulting oil is fresher, with a stronger aroma of grass and green fruit, and more natural antioxidants, which also makes it more stable over time. It’s a deliberate decision: we prefer to produce less and of high quality rather than more and of mediocre quality.
Although harvesting at this early stage may result in lower oil yields per fruit, because the olives contain less fat as they are not fully ripe, the result is a product of the highest quality.
The result? An oil with a mild flavor and a fresh, balanced aroma.
- Fresh and fruity profile
- Lower oxidation, longer preservation
- Outstanding quality and flavor
extra virgin olive oil
la reserva
La Reserva is our most exclusive edition: an extra virgin olive oil with an ultra-limited production of only 250 bottles per year. A product for collectors and connoisseurs of the highest quality olive oil.
A tribute to tradition
centenarian soul
Made with Cornezuelo olives from centuries-old olive trees on our estate, cultivated without industrial methods and under natural water stress. This results in an exceptional concentration of polyphenols and bioactive compounds. Harvesting is done by hand using local teams, preserving the region’s long-standing traditions.
The maintenance of the centuries-old olive grove is carried out entirely naturally: the clearing of the land is done by a flock of sheep that graze among the olive trees, keeping the vegetation under control without the need for machinery or chemicals. This model completes a cycle of genuine sustainability where extensive livestock farming and traditional olive groves coexist in perfect balance.
Each bottle of La Reserva is a tribute to tradition, the land, and the expertise of the people who live there.
Recommended uses
pure excellence
An oil to be enjoyed raw and in small doses, allowing its aromatic complexity to be fully appreciated: drizzled over good sourdough bread, paired with local aged cheeses, grilled meats, or as a finishing touch to signature dishes. Also ideal as a high-value gourmet gift and for professional tastings.
- Variety: Cornezuelo.
- Harvest: September.
- Method: Manual beating.
- Performance: Very low (centenarians).
- Polyphenols: Exceptional.
- Production: 250 units/year.
"A gem born in the heart of Extremadura."
Nutritional benefits
versatile balance
Arbequina olive oil is recognized for its mild and sweet taste, without bitterness. It is ideal for those who prefer a light extra virgin olive oil that is easy to combine with all kinds of dishes.
It stands out for its high content of essential nutrients and natural antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system and cardiovascular diseases* and promote good health. Rich in oleic acid, it supports cardiovascular health* and helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol** naturally.
Its soft taste and balanced fat profile make it ideal for all kinds of cooking. Its versatility in the kitchen makes it one of the best oils for cooking, as it combines perfectly with a wide variety of ingredients and dishes.
*Information based on the CESIC study.
https://grasasyaceites.revistas.csic.es/index.php/grasasyaceites/article/view/144
https://grasasyaceites.revistas.csic.es/index.php/grasasyaceites/article/view/146
** Information based on the EFSA study https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9372
Sensory Characteristics
FLUIDITY AND AROMA
Arbequina oil is defined by its light texture and exquisite aroma. According to the European Olive Oil Promotion Program, it’s “fruity, herbaceous, with little bitterness or pungency, sweet and smooth on the palate, with notes of green almond and grass.” . It has a high content of palmitic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Average values for Arbequina variety oil. According to the ranges established by the International Olive Council for EVOO:
- Oleic acid: 60 and 75%.
- Palmitic Acid: 11 and 17%.
- Linoleic Acid: 9 and 16%.