Marqués de Valdueza

Why this olive oil is special

Marqués de Valdueza is not a monovarietal olive oil, but a carefully composed blend of Arbequina, Hojiblanca, Picual and Morisca. Each variety contributes something different. Arbequina brings softness and fruitiness, Hojiblanca fresh green aromas, Picual structure and character, while the rare Morisca adds a soft, long and mouth-filling dimension.

The result is remarkably harmonious. In our Olive Oil Guide, Marqués de Valdueza scores 8 for fruitiness and complexity and 5 for both bitterness and pepperiness. That perfectly reflects the character of the oil: aromatic and interesting, but never aggressive. The first impression is soft, followed by refined bitterness and slightly more pronounced pepperiness. An excellent choice for anyone seeking complexity without extreme intensity.

Behind this olive oil is the Álvarez de Toledo family, owners of the Perales estate. The family has been producing olive oil here for more than 500 years. The land itself has an even longer history: olive oil was already being produced in this area in Roman times.

The present Marqués de Valdueza thoroughly modernised the estate and deliberately chose Arbequina, Hojiblanca, Picual and the local Morisca. In 2004, a new mill was opened on the same site where an approximately 150-year-old olive mill had previously stood. Centuries of tradition and modern production technology therefore come together quite literally in the same place.

The most unusual olive in this blend is undoubtedly Morisca. This variety is grown only in a limited part of Extremadura and has a relatively low yield. That makes it more costly to use, but all the more interesting for a producer who is not focused solely on maximum output.

Morisca contributes to the soft, persistent and mouth-filling style of Marqués de Valdueza. Together with Arbequina, Hojiblanca and Picual, it creates an olive oil that is not defined by one dominant aroma, but by the way four very different characters come together.