This is a really good olive oil from just outside of Rome, near Tivioli (where the residents are called "tiburtini"). The farm is right up the road from Hadrian’s villa and has relics of Roman walls running around and through it.

After visiting, I came back more impressed than ever with how good the oil is (and how nice the folks making it are). The olives are harvested just as they are starting to go from bright green to shades of purple from ancient trees, a couple of which had trunks 15 feet wide. “Most of these trees are monuments” said Sr. Lalli, the oilmaker.

While the latest harvest, from fall 2009 was bottled unfiltered, as usual, it's surprisingly clear and brightly colored. The aroma is buttery and slightly grassy, like an easy summer breeze. The flavor is balanced but complicated, with flavors of artichoke, almond, butter and asparagus. The mouthfeel is thick and unctuous. The finish is smooth, with a peppery finish that grows slowly and never overwhelms.

This olive oil is certified organic.