From the Heart of Calabria: PDO Lametia Extra Virgin Olive Oil

At the heart of Lametia PDO lies the Carolea cultivar, which must represent at least 90% of the blend. Carolea is Calabria’s native olive, but in the Lametino area it reaches its highest expression: balanced, elegant, and deeply territorial. The PDO certification guarantees a 100% Italian supply chain — from the olive grove to bottling — ensuring traceability, authenticity, and protection against fraud.

The Consortium’s flagship brand, Dea Carolea, captures both history and aesthetics. Inspired by Magna Graecia, the elegant bottle design plays with the concept of “unveiling”: the label appears to open like a curtain, revealing classical artwork beneath. It is a metaphor for the oil itself — discreet at first glance, yet capable of gradually unfolding layers of aroma and character.

Production techniques respect both tradition and innovation. The olives are harvested using mechanical shakers with nets and manual or semi-manual tools, then processed in a continuous-cycle system with cold extraction below 27°C. This careful method preserves the oil’s organoleptic and nutritional qualities. The result is a colour that ranges from vibrant green to straw yellow, with aromas of freshly cut grass and almond. On the palate, Dea Carolea is harmonious and expressive: a clear olive note, medium bitterness and pungency, well-balanced and persistent, supported by a refined fruity profile.

Its quality is measurable as well as perceptible. With acidity below 0.5%, peroxides under 14 meq O₂/kg, polyphenols exceeding 170 mg/kg, and a minimum panel test score above 6.5, Dea Carolea confidently positions itself in the premium segment. The shelf life is 18 months when stored correctly in a cool, dry place away from light.

The oil is available in two versions: PDO Lametia Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Regular) and PDO Lametia Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (BIO), reflecting the Consortium’s shared commitment to sustainability and organic farming. Both are offered in formats suited to retail and food service — 5L tins, as well as 500 ml and 250 ml glass bottles — combining practicality with refined presentation.

Recognition from respected institutions further reinforces its standing. Lametia PDO oils have been featured in guides and selections associated with Slow Food and Gambero Rosso, two authoritative voices in the world of Italian gastronomy, confirming the product’s excellence and authenticity within Italy’s competitive olive oil landscape.

Yet Dea Carolea is not simply a product — it is a cultural ambassador. The Consortium actively supports distributors through B2B tastings, technical masterclasses, consumer education sessions, show cooking events with local chefs, and immersive experiences in Calabria. Visitors are invited to walk the groves, meet producers, and experience firsthand the hospitality that defines the region.

In an increasingly global market, Dea Carolea stands as a reminder that true quality begins with place. It is the distilled essence of Calabria — its soil, its history, its craftsmanship, and its people — captured in a single, luminous stream of extra virgin olive oil.