Monogram Valanolia is a stunning and rare cultivar only found on Lesvos, and its flavour profile is fairly rare to find among Greek olive oils. In this specific example from Monogram, Valanolia is grown organically. Furthermore, the cultivar displays a prominent aroma and tasting notes of fresh green tomato and tomato leaf. Typically the fruity notes found in Greek cultivars, specifically the Koroneiki has notes of green apple, banana, and almond. It doesn’t typically lean towards the tomato notes as many of the Spanish cultivars do, like Picual.
This oil is incredibly well-balanced, and the harmony and consistency between the aroma, aromatic intensity and flavour profile is beautiful. It’s present on the palate, the tasting notes are easily identifiable and it’s a beautiful example of the Valanolia cultivar.
Perfect for drizzling over hot soups, tomato-based pasta sauces, and my favourite, drizzled on toasted bread rubbed with garlic. This is a versatile oil that shows up deliciously in so many dishes and needs to be showcased, making it a perfect finishing oil.
Monogram’s packaging is truly stunning, and the bottle is incredibly elegant. Their box is covered in quality detailed information about the olive oil as well. Made of thick cardboard, the box is fully light-tight, preventing photooxidation while in storage and on store shelves. The bottle, since it is clear glass, should be stored in the box ideally. It is beautiful to set on a dinner table and showcases the beautiful olive oil inside perfectly.
