Each region of Italy holds its unique charm, but Le Marche is particularly dear to us. Home to our esteemed miller Corrado, Le Marche sits between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It is a region of striking diversity, featuring rolling hills, stunning beaches, expansive vineyards, and olive groves stretching across the horizon. Dotted with medieval hilltop towns, Le Marche boasts a rich and varied history.
One such town is the commune of Offida. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, this ancient village is surrounded by 15th-century castle walls and is the home of the first of our speciality extra virgin olive oils for 2024.
Once nominated as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Offida remains relatively untouched by tourists. Characterised by its charming streets and Renaissance-style architecture, Offida is a haven for those seeking an authentic and tranquil Italian experience.
Offida is celebrated for its exquisite bobbin lace, a delicate and intricate craft practised by the women of the village for over 500 years. This art has been lovingly passed down through generations, with a devotion to detail that impresses even the most skilled craftsmen. Strolling through Offida, you can hear the gentle clacking of wooden bobbins as women twist and turn fine thread, using pins to craft the most exquisite lace designs. Traditionally used in everything from garments to altar covers, this place is now also fashioned into earrings and bracelets for visitors. This ancient tradition is honoured in a museum housed within the 19th-century De Castellotti Palace.
In contrast to the soft curves of the surrounding valleys, the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca (“on the rock”) dominates the town’s edge. Enclosed by cliffs on three sides, it is one of the area’s most dramatic structures, featuring unmissable Gothic architecture. Inside, religious frescoes from the 14th century by ‘The Master of Offida’ adorn the walls.
Agriculture occupies nearly half of Le Marche's territory, with viticulture being the most prevalent. Le Marche is renowned for its wines, with a heritage spanning millennia. Known predominantly for its white wines, the region’s prominent varieties include Trebbiano and Verdicchio.
Despite its rich agricultural tradition, extra virgin olive oil from Le Marche is rarely found outside Italy, making our regional oil this year a particularly special addition to our line-up. The region boasts several native olive cultivars, including Ascolana Tenera, Carboncella, Coroncina, Mignola, Orbetana, Piantone di Falerone, Piantone di Mogliano, Raggia, Rosciola dei Colli Esini, and Sargano di Fermo. Le Marche has the most recognised native olive cultivars of any region in the world. Its temperate climate and alkaline soils have supported the production of exceptional quality oil since Roman times.
The Ascolana olive is among the most cherished local varieties. Throughout the region, you can enjoy Olive all’Ascolane—olives stuffed with ground meat, coated in egg and breadcrumbs, and deep-fried—served with a crisp local Verdicchio as an antipasto.
Our extra virgin olive oil this year has been blended by our long-time collaborator, Tiziano Aleandri, and is produced from a blend of Leccino, Frantoio, Pendolino, Piantone di Mogliano, Coroncina, Orbetana, and Raggia.
Would you like to try Offida? Sign up to Completo and receive an exceptional regional oil for your first delivery.