Los Olivos de Sástago
The Olive Trees of Sástago. A space to cultivate our roots, preserve the history and share the value of the olive tree with all our people.
Los Olivos de Sástago is a project for the recovery and dissemination of different varieties of olive trees grown in Sástago, born with the aim of reinforcing the agricultural and olive growing identity of the municipality. Through the planting of different types of olive trees in a common space, the aim is to preserve the varietal heritage of the olive tree and enhance the value of the extra virgin olive oil culture linked to Sástago and its rural environment.
In this initiative, which is carried out in honor of the day of the tree on March 21, 2025, our mill counts on the active participation of the town council of Sástago and the collaboration of the primary school students of the Daniel Federío public school in the village. The children of the school have carried out the planting and will take care of the olive trees with the help of the town council. In this way, we try to promote knowledge about olive growing, respect for the environment and the importance of the agricultural sector in the local economy, transmitting to the new generations the value of our roots.
From Almazara Artalwe promote this project as part of our commitment to sustainable rural development and the preservation of Aragon’s olive growing and agricultural tradition, helping to keep alive the link between the countryside, the people and their history.
Empeltre
The Empeltre variety is native to the Lower Aragon region and is one of the oldest in the country, with more than 500 years of history. The name Empeltre comes from the Aragonese word empeltar, which means to graft, due to the need to graft this variety for its propagation, since its cuttings do not root easily.
The Empeltre tree is of medium vigor and has a wide crown with hanging branches. It is a rustic variety, adapted to semi-arid conditions, but sensitive to intense frosts. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside. The olives are medium-sized, elongated and asymmetrical in shape, and acquire an intense black color when ripe. The pulp/stone ratio is favorable, which contributes to a good yield in oil extraction.
The extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) obtained from the Empeltre is golden yellow in color and stands out for its smoothness. In the sensory analysis, it presents a light to medium fruitiness, with notes of apple and almond. The bitterness and pungency are practically non-existent, making it a sweet oil that is very pleasant on the palate.
The Empeltre variety is the basis of the Protected Designation of Origin Aceite del Bajo Aragón, recognized by the European Union, which highlights its importance in the region’s olive growing tradition.
Source
Aragón, PDO Bajo Aragón.
Type of tree
Large tree, resistant to drought and poor soils. Early maturing and high productivity.
Type of olives
Fruits of elongated, asymmetric and slightly pumped shape.
Type of oil
Soft and sweet oil, with notes of nuts, especially almonds.
Arbequina
Originally from the town of Arbeca, Catalonia, the Arbequina variety has gained popularity due to its adaptability and high productivity. Although it is attributed a Palestinian origin, it was introduced in Spain in the 17th century and has consolidated as one of the most cultivated varieties.
The Arbequina olive tree is small in size, with short, narrow, grayish-green leaves. It is very adaptable to different climatic conditions and soil types, which makes it ideal for intensive and super intensive plantations. The olives are small, spherical and symmetrical, with a high oil content.
Arbequina EVOO is recognized for its smoothness and balance. It is medium fruity, with aromas reminiscent of tomato, apple and banana. In the mouth, it is sweet, with very light bitterness and spiciness, which makes it very appreciated by consumers who prefer mild oils.
This variety is the second in the Bajo Aragón PDO.
Source
Arbeca, Catalonia
Type of tree
Small, precocious and productive tree. It adapts well to super intensive cultivation.
Type of olives
Small and symmetrical fruits. They contain one of the highest levels of oil concentration.
Type of oil
Delicate, fruity and sweet oil, with hints of tomato, apple and banana.
Arbosana
Arbosana is a variety native to the Penedès region of Catalonia, and has gained prominence in recent decades due to its excellent adaptation to intensive and super-intensive cultivation systems.
The Arbosana olive tree is of medium vigor, with a dense crown and erect branches. Its leaves are lanceolate and of medium size. The olives are small, oval and symmetrical in shape, with a high fat yield. The variety is appreciated for its resistance to diseases and its constant productivity.
Arbosana oil is characterized by a medium-high fruitiness, with green notes reminiscent of freshly cut grass, olive leaf and artichoke. In the mouth, it presents a balance between bitterness and spiciness, with a slight astringency that adds complexity. These characteristics make it ideal for pairing with intensely flavored dishes such as fish and cheese.
Although it is less well known than Arbequina, Arbosana has been shown to have greater oxidative stability, which prolongs the shelf life of the oil and maintains its organoleptic properties for longer.
Source
Penedès region, Catalonia.
Type of tree
Vigorous but compact tree, ideal for high densities. Good yield and constant production.
Type of olives
Small and oval fruits. With a high oil content.
Type of oil
Medium intense green oil, balanced, with moderate spiciness and bitterness and herbaceous and green fruit nuances.
Salze Fulla
The Fulla de Salze, also known as Salceña or Salceña leaves, is a variety of olive tree native to Catalonia, especially cited in the area of Mora de Ebro, Rasquera and Ginestar, where more than 550 hectares are cultivated. Its name comes from the shape of its leaves, which resemble those of the willow.
The Fulla de Salze tree is of medium vigor, with a dense crown and long, narrow, light green leaves that give it a unique appearance. It is a rustic variety, adapted to local conditions and with good resistance to common olive tree diseases. The olives are of medium size, oval and symmetrical in shape, with a medium fat yield.
The oil produced by Fulla de Salze is appreciated for its distinctive sensory profile. It presents a medium fruitiness, with herbaceous and floral notes. In the mouth, moderate bitterness and spiciness are perceived, with a pleasant and balanced final sensation. This oil is valued in local markets for its distinct identity and contributes to the diversity of single varietal oils in the region.
Source
Rasquera and Ginestar, Catalonia.
Type of tree
Rustic and adaptable tree. With elongated leaves reminiscent of a willow.
Type of olives
Medium-sized fruits of elongated shape. With a good fat yield.
Type of oil
Smooth, medium fruity oil with herbaceous and floral touches. Characterized by the uniqueness of its flavor.
Coratina
Originating from the Plugia region in southern Italy, the Coratina is one of the most important varieties in this country. It has spread to other regions of the world due to its high productivity and the quality of its oil.
The Coratina olive tree is vigorous, with a wide canopy and dark green lanceolate leaves. It is resistant to adverse climatic conditions and certain diseases, although very vulnerable to olive tuberculosis. The olives are medium-sized, oval-shaped and slightly asymmetrical, with a high polyphenol content.
Coratina EVOO is notable for its robustness. It presents an intense fruitiness, with spicy aromas such as vanilla and cinnamon. In the mouth, it is powerful, with a pronounced bitterness and spiciness, indicating its high concentration of natural antioxidants. This sensory profile makes it ideal for consumers looking for oils with character and very good health benefits. It is one of the most complex oils in the world.
Source
Plugia, Italy.
Type of tree
Vigorous and robust tree, drought tolerant and late maturing. Very productive.
Type of olives
Fruits of medium size and oval. High oil content.
Type of oil
Intense oil, very fruity and with a powerful spiciness and bitterness. With hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It is one of the most complex oils in the world.
Frantoio
Frantoio is a variety native to the Tuscany region of Italy. Its name, Frantoio,means olive mill in Italian, which reflects its close relationship with olive oil production. This variety has spread worldwide due to the high quality of its oil and its adaptability to different climatic conditions.
The Frantoio tree is medium to large in size, with an open crown and long, flexible branches. The leaves are lanceolate, dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside. It is a vigorous and rustic variety, showing good resistance to diseases such as verticillium. The olives are of medium size, oval and slightly asymmetrical, with late and staggered ripening. Although the oil yield is medium, the quality of the oil is exceptional.
The extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) obtained from Frantoio is highly appreciated for its organoleptic characteristics. It has an intense fruitiness, with aromas reminiscent of fresh grass, artichoke and green almond. In the mouth, it is a balanced oil, with a bitterness and spiciness present but harmonious, which gives it great complexity and persistence. Its high oxidative stability allows it to maintain its sensory properties for a longer period of time.
Frantoio is being used in breeding programs to develop new disease resistant varieties.
Source
Tuscany, Italy.
Type of tree
Medium-sized tree, very adaptable to different soils. It is quite sensitive to extreme cold.
Type of olives
Medium-sized, oval and symmetrical fruits. With a high oil content.
Type of oil
Elegant and complex oil, with hints of freshly cut grass and artichoke. With a great spiciness and bitterness as well as an intense fruitiness.
Gordal Sevillana
The Gordal Sevillana is one of the most emblematic olive varieties in Andalusia, especially in the province of Seville. Its name, Gordal, refers to the large size of its olives, which are highly prized as table olives. This variety has been cultivated for centuries and is an integral part of the Andalusian gastronomic tradition.
The Gordal Sevillana tree has a vigorous growth habit, with a wide crown and medium-sized, grayish-green leaves. It is a variety sensitive to low temperatures and certain diseases, so it requires specific care. The olives are large in size, reaching up to 12 grams, oval and slightly asymmetrical in shape. Their flesh is abundant and firm in texture, which makes them ideal for table consumption.
Although the Gordal Sevillana is mainly destined for table olives due to its size and mild flavor, it is also used for oil production to a lesser extent. The oil obtained is lightly fruity, with mild notes and low bitterness and pungency, making it suitable for consumers who prefer milder oils. Suitable for sauces and mayonnaise.
The Gordal Sevillana is known as the queen of table olives due to its large size and quality, being one of the most exported varieties in Spain for this purpose.
Source
Seville, Andalusia.
Type of tree
Tree with thick branches, long and little branched. With large leaves.
Type of olives
Large fruits with an average weight of 12 grams.
Type of oil
Although this variety is mainly appreciated for table olives, a sweet, smooth and light oil can be obtained.
