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Delicate: A balanced Extra Virgin olive oil with fresh herbaceous and nutty notes, lingering pepper, good complexity.
Medium: A well-balanced Extra Virgin olive oil; green, fresh, herbaceous notes; good fruit on the nose; good complexity, pepper and persistency.
Intense: Herbaceous Extra Virgin olive oil with good complexity and fresh notes; intense on bitter, medium nose.
Balsamic Vinegar
Imported Italian Balsamic Vinegar 250ml: Persistent, delicate and slightly acidic, with woody overtones.
De Rustica was established by Mr. Rob Still, a South African mining entrepreneur. In 2005, shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday, Rob embarked on a new venture driven by a desire to give back to his homeland and make a meaningful impact. He sought to undertake a unique project that involved nurturing the land and contributing to the earth’s well-being. Rob was passionate about creating something authentically South African and truly exceptional.
Rob’s fondness for olive oil and his deep knowledge of trees played a pivotal role in shaping his vision. His mother, Beth Still, was a renowned landscape gardener and instilled in him a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of gardens, which he often explored during his childhood in various parts of Johannesburg.
To determine the ideal location for his olive farm, Rob commissioned a comprehensive study that examined soil conditions and various factors. The study pinpointed the Klein Karoo, with its combination of cold winters and warm summers, as the perfect environment for his olive trees. He had a personal connection to this region, having spent time as an army officer traversing the Swartberg mountains extensively.
Ultimately, Rob selected De Rust, nestled beneath the majestic Swartberg Mountains, where pristine mountain water flowed down and the slopes gently leaned inward.
In late 2006, he embarked on the planting of his olive orchards, acquiring both the Oude Muragie and Le Roux farms that now form the core of the estate. In 2008, he expanded his olive orchard holdings with the purchase of the Grootkruis properties.
Today, De Rustica Estate spans an impressive 2200 hectares and has achieved the remarkable feat of producing the highest quality, world-class extra virgin olive oil in South Africa. A portion of that is 135 hectares of irrigated olive groves, with 290 hectares dedicated to permanent and semi-permanent irrigation for grazing. The remainder consists of natural fields that are not grazed and are allowed to undergo complete restoration. Their dedication to quality and excellence has been recognised with numerous awards, solidifying their presence in the South African Olive Oil Industry.
Rob still takes immense pride in his estate and the dedicated De Rustica team. When you visit the farm, keep an eye out for Rob, who can often be found deep within the orchards, accompanied by his faithful Labrador. He meticulously inspects the pruning and takes moments to admire the striking red rocks that surround him, a testament to his enduring commitment to the land and his vision.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml
Tasting notes
Delicate:
A balanced Extra Virgin olive oil with fresh herbaceous and nutty notes, lingering pepper, good complexity.
Medium:
A well-balanced Extra Virgin olive oil; green, fresh, herbaceous notes; good fruit on the nose; good complexity, pepper and persistency.
Intense:
Herbaceous Extra Virgin olive oil with good complexity and fresh notes; intense on bitter, medium nose.
Imported Italian Balsamic Vinegar 250ml:
Persistent, delicate and slightly acidic, with woody overtones.
