Italian olive oil 'Bartolomei'

 I purchased the olive oil Bartolomei in Italy.

Photo source: Direct shooting

Background of purchase

In late March 2026, I embarked on a Western European tour of France, Switzerland, and Italy. While contemplating purchasing souvenirs in Italy, I was advised to buy olive oil, which only locals would taste.

Detailed specifications

It comes in four 500ml cans and is characterized by being cans rather than bottles. The price is 160 euros for each can, which, when applied at the exchange rate of 1720 won at the time, would be approximately 275,000 won, equivalent to 68,750 months per can. At this price, you can purchase high-quality products in Korea. Of course, it's an extra virgin oil, but it doesn't have acidity markings.

Is it a reliable company?

A traditional olive oil producer in the Umbria region of Italy, known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Starting as a family-run business, this company has reportedly developed olive cultivation and pressing techniques over generations to produce products with unique local flavors.
The word "Bartholomew" seems to be an Italian version of Bartholomew, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, and is presumed to be a Catholic or Protestant business. They offer programs such as olive oil tasting, tours of traditional presses, and olive harvesting experiences for visitors, so it might be a good idea for travelers visiting Italy to try on-site experiences.

Taste and feeling

When the seller gave me the first tasting cup and took a sip of olive oil in my mouth, I felt no sensation at all. Rather, it was a nutty, smooth, yet soft feeling, perhaps soft. But after the oil passes through the tip of my tongue and down my throat, I cough. The sharp aftertaste is tingling.
Olive oil is said to contain more polyphenols, an antioxidant component, when the finish is more stingy. Could it be said that the combination of a tangy flavor and a smooth aroma?

A taste that cannot be found in Korea

Olive oil is sensitive to light and heat, so metal cans are often more advantageous than transparent glass bottles from a long-term storage . Therefore, it is said that many Italian producers use canned packaging for large-capacity products of 1L or more.

Bartolomei olive oil cans are not sold in Korea. Some bottle products are indeed being sold. It is said that only Italians consume the highest quality olive oil in Italy. And they are exporting the remaining quantity.

According to locals, when exporting overseas, the rancidity increases during the process of importing in large quantities and redistributing them into bottles, and sailing the hot equator for extended periods by ship.

If you travel to Italy, I hope it helps you purchase high-quality olive oil that locals buy.