In the summer of 2018, Dimitris & Nikos, two young men with entrepreneurial spirit decided to turn their love & knowledge for olives & olive oil but also for history & environment into a business venture… & “klēa” was born in Nea Tenedos of the Chalkidiki peninsula, where their olive groves are also located. The name derives from the ancient Greek words “κλέος” (kléos), meaning glory, & “ελαία” (elaíā), meaning olive (tree or fruit).
“Elaiolado Halkidikis” is a monovarietal extra virgin olive oil from “Galani Metagitsiou” olives, a Halkidiki’s peninsula rare variety. The word “galani” means light blue & is given to the variety due to the hue of its leaves. The finest olives of the grove are collected in November & the olive oil extraction process takes place within a few hours from harvest & at temperatures below 25°C. The result is a smooth, delicate & well-balanced extra virgin olive oil with a hint of sweetness (reminiscent of fresh grass & vegetables with a mouthfeel of green almond & a hint of black pepper).
It is offered in a handmade ceramic bottle inspired by the “αλάβαστρον” (alabastron). “Alavastron” was the pottery used by affluent people in ancient Greece (since 600BC) as a vessel for olive oil since it could maintain its quality the best. Clay is the best material for preserving extra virgin olive oil’s since it is neutral to the content & it protects it not only from light & oxygen but also from higher temperatures due to its high specific heat (thermal inertia).
Superior Category Early Harvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Acidity <0.8%) Obtained Directly from Halkidiki Olives (Hondrolia Variety) & Solely by Mechanical Means (Cold Extraction).
Sensory Analysis: Fruity 5.5, Bitter 4.0 & Pungent 4.5
