Ootopia Koroneiki Manaki blend is an intentionally created oil using two cultivars, to create balance, consistency and harmony in the product.
Two methods of blending are typically available. One is a field blend where farmers pick olives of multiple cultivars and put them all together in the mill. This is typical of smaller groves or during lean years when there aren’t enough olives to create lots of a single cultivar. The other blending method is an intention blend like this Ootopia Koroneiki Manaki blend. The farmer will harvest and create separate lots of Koroneiki olive oil and Manaki olive oil. Then sit down and mix or blend the two to create the best ratio, allowing for complimentary flavours, and aromas to showcase each cultivar’s unique and lovely qualities.
This blend is all of the above, a beautiful approachable well balanced oil. Initial aromas of apple, green almond, artichoke, tomato leaf and wild fennel. The flavour is very complex, with notes of fresh artichoke, juicy green apple, and tomato leaf. This rounds into a bitterness of green tea, endive and arugula and finishes with a freshly cracked black pepper finish. The bitter green and herbaceous notes linger as the pungency warms on the palate.
A wonderful addition to creamy or creamy-tomato-style pasta sauces like rosé and complimented with seafood, and shellfish. Drizzled over grilled meats and vegetables, or in a cranberry chicken tartine, this oil becomes very aromatic and fills the senses. Of course, due to its complexity and well-balanced flavour profile, it is a wonderful compliment to salads, dressings and marinades. Use liberally and use often, this really is a delicious example.
