Legacy
At 1,000m altitude, in the Natural Park of the Sierras Subbéticas, next to the imposing peak of La Tiñosa where the highest geodesic vertex in the province of Córdoba is located. It is a completely remodeled XIX century building, although it maintains its original structure, surrounded by a sea of hundred-year-old olive trees, picudos and hojiblancos, from which Manuel Montes Marín obtains his precious Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The height makes harvesting difficult, but in return it offers the olive tree protection against the rigors of the weather and the attack of pests and diseases that usually affect plains crops. In gratitude, the olive trees of this family industry produce olives of the highest quality that, immediately after being harvested, are transformed into a delicious juice.
The company, protected under the Priego de Córdoba Designation of Origin, began its journey in the 93/94 campaign with a clear idea, betting on quality and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Thus, in 2002 the first recognitions arrived, which today far exceed one hundred. Of all of them, 7 awards from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, 4 medals from the International Olive Council, 8 recognitions from the International Olive Oil Award of Zurich, product with 3 stars in the iTQi Superior Taste Award (Brussels), Leone d´Oro , Der Feinschmecker (Germany), Sial Canada, LA County Fair (USA), Terraolivo (Jerusalem), Expoliva, Feria del Olivo de Montoro, and a long etcetera.
The company annually collects about 13 million kilos of olives, an amount that becomes about 3 million kilos of oil, which it extracts, stores, packages and finally distributes under its brands: Fuente de la Madera and Pórtico de la Villa, for almost all the world. Thus, France, UK, Germany, Switzerland, USA and recently China are its main destinations overseas.
The Extra Virgin Olive Oil Pórtico de la Villa carries such an exclusive personality that it could hardly be reproduced elsewhere. So much so, that those who discover this gastronomic treasure reserve it a special place in their kitchens forever. The tasters define it as intense green fruity very complex in nuances. The green tones that are reminiscent of fresh grass, apple and banana stand out with a background of aromatic plants and tomato plants. The entry into the mouth is sweet, slightly bitter and somewhat more spicy.
Currently, the company is very excited about the launch of an oil tourism project, through which it intends to become a center for the dissemination of olive culture among consumers. For this reason, in 2008, it decided to expand and remodel its facilities, to receive all visitors interested in learning about all the processes involved in the production of its products, as well as the philosophy and way of working of the firm. This project is already bearing fruit since last year 6,000 people of different nationalities visited the oil mill.
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