Herdade do Mouchão Galega Extra Virgin Olive Oil

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Galega olive trees, many of which are secular and cover a total of 31 hectares, are drought-resistant and produce a limited amount of olive oil, resulting in a more concentrated and flavorful olive oil. The Herdade do Mouchão Galega is a premium olive oil that is cold extracted using only mechanical methods from only Estate-grown, century-old Galega olives.

This oil, made from the most traditional olive trees and the Alentejo’s oldest and most typical indigenous species, showcases the full potential of the Galega olive. It is a highly regarded oil, recognized for its elegance and smoothness on the palate. The olive oil from the Mouchão Velho and Dom João orchards is silky, with overtones of sweetness and very refined, with a unique nutty flavor.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

The Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Herdade do Mouchão Galega is perfect for salads, tomatoes, and other fresh vegetables. It’s also a great way to finish prepared foods like fish and steak. You can also add it to vinaigrettes, or drizzle it over soups for a pleasant taste boost.

THE SYMBOL OF PEACE

The olive tree is a ubiquitous symbol of peace around the world, with the saying “offering an olive branch” the most common idiom for making peace. This dates back to Greek tradition; the hiketeria (olive branch) would be held by supplicants when approaching people of power, or when in temples, to show their status.

The olive tree is also the symbol of Athens. This comes from the Greek mythological story of the competition between Athena and Poseidon for possession of the city. Poseidon thrust his trident into the Acropolis, and a well of sea-water appeared. Athena, on the other hand, planted the first olive tree beside the salt spring well. Athena’s gift was deemed the better one, and so she was made patron of Athens, and the city was named for her.

Storage Instructions

Olive oil should be stored in a cool, dry, dark cupboard, away from the heat and light. Choose a spot in the kitchen that’s away from the oven. The best temperature for storing oil is from 13 to 21°C.