Hidden among a multitude of houses, some of them luxurious, but with direct views of the Montgó and the sea, it is up there, a family farm in Xàbia, dedicated to the cultivation and production of oil.
The ecological environment in which it is located, surrounded by olive trees, some of them centuries old, as well as more than strawberry trees, carob trees, aromatic herbs and a great variety of animal species, makes you feel that you are in a unique place.
And it is there, in front of the bay of Xàbia, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea, but far from the usual areas of olive grove production, where the Oli de Xàbia. A family project born from Hobbie of the head of the family.
Oli de Xàbia, and oligarum, was born in 2017 due to the concern of two brothers, Juan José and Víctor Sapena, to take care of the centenary olive trees maintained by their father, but with the idea of planting new varieties such as Picual, Arbequina, Cornicabra, Empeltre or Morrut, not typical of this area, and prove its roots in the mild climate of the Costa Blanca along with indigenous varieties such as the centenarians of 'Mançanella' (Villalonga), or Alfafarenca and of course, the wild Acebuches, very numerous on the farm.
And the test creates, in the beginning, an EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) of the highest quality, from which four types of oil come: Empeltre, Picual, Coupage and Villalonga.
Unlike the olive oil harvests in Spain, this begins in mid-September and ends in early October to achieve the highest quality with the early harvest of the olives, "we pick them still green, a little before they mature, not letting it fall to the ground ", explains Juan José Sapena.
The great variety of olive trees that comprise the xabiera estate makes its promoters create the different oils with ecological methods and carry out a dedicated and delicate extraction of the well-known liquid gold.
The oils of Xàbia
The production of Xàbia oil is not on a large scale, but there are runs of about 1000 bottles of each type. Currently, the Sapena brothers produce 8 different oils and between the characteristics and differences of l'Oli de Xàbia compared to the common ones is the aroma and the exact point of veraison of the olives when they are harvested.
El Cutting It is mainly composed of the Villalonga variety and other varieties from the farm, its decantation is natural and the packaging is carried out without filtering to maintain all the properties.
El Oli de Xàbia It is made with the harvest of the first day of the campaign and is only from 100% Villalonga olive trees.
El Oli from Empeltre It is from extra-early collection and comes from olive trees between 15-20 years old.
El Oli picual It comes from olive trees about 30 years old planted in limestone soil and oriented towards the East, closer to the sea, which makes it have a different and softer flavor than those produced in interior areas.
Oil with gold, among the novelties
And among the novelties are three new oils: the Smoked (smoked), the Cornicabra and the Liquid Gold, which has been created as a result of a personal request with gold nuggets, although this, which will be released on the market in the next few days, contains food gold, which provides a different touch to any food without detracting from quality.
These three oils will feature a new brand design oligarum with his series of Elixir of Jávea.
Oli de Xàbia in haute cuisine
Regarding the commercialization of this xabiero oil, Juanjo and Víctor work with small businesses and restaurants and have the support of great chefs such as Nazario Cano, who has a characteristic oil from l'Oli de Xàbia. This is Oli de Xàbia Nazario Cano, a limited and personalized edition in which the Michelin Star chef has created an EVOO with a special character for his dishes.
Furthermore, although Sapena is dissatisfied with the Town hall For not having found local support in its beginnings, he is excited about the growth of this young project that brings this special oil to various countries of the world such as the Netherlands and China and can be purchased in some establishments in Xàbia and through online sales at its web page.
Tourist routes
But the promotion of Oli de Xàbia does not end with the packaging, but also, its enclave and its tasting are made known through routes and tastings. A different tourist and gastronomic experience that includes other small businessmen from Xàbia and the region (El Poble Nou de Benitatxell and Pego), where you can also taste organic wine, natural honey or typical Xàbia dishes.
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Centennial olive trees for oil
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The olive from Oli de Xàbia
I have bought it in the Javea market, at the Bartolomé stall.
Also from Oligarum, a spectacular black olive marmalade.
Very good family initiative,
I have tried the oils, the golden one was spectacular ... very beautifully presented and the smoky flavor to the brarsa is wonderful ... only with a toast of good bread and a stream of oil with smoke flavor you are very satisfied ... the meat adding a touch of the oil is the best flavor… .your palate is very satisfied… there are no words…
It is good news that olive oil is made in Jávea but it would be interesting to know where or an address where it can be bought so that it can be tasted and consumed.
Good afternoon, you can buy, in the celler de la fontana (arenal), the port winery, some varieties in the wine house and on the web
I am interested in buying this oil…. Where can we find it? Thanks
Good afternoon, at the celler de la fontana, the port winery, the wine house
Very interesting, I'm already looking forward to trying that marvel of oil
For me everything in Jávea is good, or almost everything because I exclude the City Council, so Juanjo and Víctor you already know… garlic and water, whatever you have to do… alone, a lot of work and little help. But after reading the article, I really wanted to try your oil, because I am a fan of oil and have been in love with Jávea since I arrived here accompanying Jaume el Conqueridor. If we add the two things, you can already imagine the desire I have to taste that olive oil that is more than centenary, among carob trees, aromatic herbs, facing the sea of Sorolla: an oil, from Jávea, which must surely be exquisite.
Thank you, you are absolutely right, I hope you like it