Azienda Agricola Frezza and Agriturismo "Le Fornase"
Staff Writer - October 1, 2006

In this month of October 2006, as the new grape juice starts its transformational journey into wine, we are honoring the Azienda Agricola Frezza as Company of the Month. This estate, in addition to producing high quality wine, also produces its true specialty, the extra virgin olive oil Garda Orientale DOP.

The Azienda Agricola Frezza was founded in the 1950s by Dr. Gianfranco Frezza, and is located on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda, in the province of Verona. The estate fields expand across the three municipalities of Peschiera del Garda, Lazise and Castelnuovo del Garda.

The vineyards represent the largest cultivation on the estate and produce grapes required to make the typical red wine Bardolino DOC and white Bianco di Custoza DOC. In addition, the estate includes a kiwi orchard and crop fields. The gem of the Azienda Agricola Frezza though, is the olive grove.

About 2,000 olive trees grow on an amphitheater-shaped hill overlooking the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. The climate, soil, optimal exposure and plants layout, contribute to creating an ideal growing environment for this kind of cultivation.

Agriturismo
In addition, the Azienda Agricola Frezza runs an agriturismo, hosting tourists fond of good wine and food in a remodeled ancient country house dating back to the 18th century. The name of this relaxing country hostel is "Le Fornase", or "The Kilns", in honor of the original activity for which the construction was built. In fact, in ancient times the place was used to make terra cotta and clay artifacts.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil DOP "Frezza" – Black/Gold Label
Crystal clear, dense, deep green color, with medium-high fruit and extremely low acidity. Intense, yet delicate perfume. The flavor is generous and pleasantly herbaceous, with an attractive bitter-spicy note in the finish.

	Prizes & Awards:
	Gold Medal at the 2004, sixth Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garda DOP Competition Gold Medal at the 2005, seventh Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garda DOP Competition Gold Medal at the 2006, eighth Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garda DOP Competition First, sole winner of the "Goccia d'Oro del Garda" ("Golden Drop from Garda") Trophy, in 2005, as the most harmonious DOP olive oil "Due olive" ("Two Olives") in the unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil category, by Slow Food's "Guida agli extravergini 2006" (Guide to the Extra Virgins 2006) "Due olive" ("Two Olives") in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Garda DOP category, by Slow Food's "Guida agli extravergini 2006" (Guide to the Extra Virgins 2006)

This olive oil is the fruit of a patient varietal selection. The "Casaliva" olive variety is skillfully mixed with other cultivars, thus obtaining a characteristically fragrant final product. The soil composition, climate, sun exposure and grove layout contribute to producing superior quality olives. The harvest takes place between October and November by brucatura, that is, by hand, at the invaiatura, or when the color of the mature olives turns from green to darker nuances.

First Press Extra Virgin Olive Oil "Frezza" (unfiltered) – Green Label
There is only a micro production of this oil variety, which is obtained from the first pressing of the olives. As it is unfiltered, it looks cloudy, dense and deep, dark green colored. The perfume is intense, though delicate fruity notes and vegetable scents are reminiscent of freshly cut grass and are soothing to the nose. The final is persistent, with spicy, bitterish notes. The harvest is made exclusively by hand, at the invalidator.

Bardolino DOC Red Wine "Frezza"
The estate vineyards that produce the grapes used to make the Bardolino DOC Frezza are those required by the production rules for that type of wine. The grapes are Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, in addition to a smaller quantity of allowed native grapes.

The grape harvest is done exclusively by hand. The grape juice is fermented in small vasi vinari (barrels), according to the traditional method, in which the fermentation occurs at room temperature, with manual re mixing, which helps the development of natural yeasts. The result is a ruby red wine, with the perfume, vivacity and freshness typical  of the traditional Bardolino.

Bianco di Custoza DOC "Frezza"
This wine is made exclusively with a blend of Trebbiano Toscano, Garganega, Tocai Friulano and Cortese grapes.

The vineyards are cultivated on a hill overlooking the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. The grapes are harvested manually and, for this wine as well, the must ferments in small vasi vinari, according to the local tradition. The result is a straw yellow colored wine, with intense, fruity perfume. The flavor is dry, harmonious and slightly bitter. This white wine is especially appreciated for its typical, characteristic fragrance and natural liveliness.

Green Olive Spread "Frezza"
Made with chopped olives and extra virgin olive oil.

Black Olive Spread "Frezza"
Made with chopped olives and extra virgin olive oil.

Black Pitted Olives in Extra Virgin Olive Oil "Frezza"

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