Olive oil production in Chianti is said to have existed since 1300, at the end of the Middle Ages, when large forests had been removed to make room for vineyards and olive trees. Since then, olive trees have characterized Tuscany’s landscape and have contributed to the success of its regional cuisine, from the most basic dishes to the most sophisticated recipes.
Among these recipes is a much older infusion, which contains bark and olive leaves.
The great Dante Alighieri mentions this drink, in the XXI song of «Paradiso», as the «liquor d’ulivo», well known and produced in his native Tuscany. And it is from this era of Dante, in which the olive tree and the olive oil, produced an incrediblegrowth in this region. Even today, olive growing is linked to the traditions and culture of Tuscany.
Since 1990, the Italian Berloni family, have produced, in addition to Organic Olive Oil, the much cherished Olive Liquor that Dante liked so much. They resurrected the over 2000 year old recipe, which they have kept as a family secret. Also, they are probably the only company that commercializes it.
Dante Alighieri, baptized Durante di Alighiero degli Alighieri (Florence, c.29 May 1265-Ravenna, September 14, 1321), was an Italian poet, who was known for writing the Divine Comedy. This is one of the fundamental works of the transition of medieval thought to that of the Renaissance and is considered to be one of the great achievements of universal literature.
Nicknamed «the Supreme Poet» (in Italian «il Sommo Poeta»), he is also considered the «father of the Italian language» (called volgare at that time). His first biography was written by Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), in the Trattatello in laude di Dante.