Arbequina

The natural elegance of the Mediterranean

The Arbequina olive is one of the most prized varieties in the Mediterranean for the delicate character it offers in each fruit. In the Montsant-Priorat region, where stony soils, a climate of contrasts, and dry farming dictate the rhythm of cultivation, this variety develops an especially fine and balanced expression, becoming the soul of our oils.

At HOSTALETS 1898 we work with Arbequina olives with the same philosophy that guides our entire estate: precision, sustainability and respect for natural rhythms.

A small fruit with an extraordinary character

The Arbequina olive is recognized by its small size, rounded shape, and ability to concentrate aromas. In the drylands of Montsant, its slow growth and low yield per tree result in:

- a higher aromatic concentration,

- a silkier texture in the oil,

- and a natural balance between sweetness, vegetal freshness and fruity elegance.

Its color, which evolves from intense green to soft brown, marks the exact point at which we decided to harvest to obtain the sensory purity that defines our Family Reserve: clean aromas, fine vegetal notes and a serene fruitiness that is hard to match.

Aromas that speak of origin

The Arbequina olive from Montsant-Priorat expresses an aromatic profile deeply linked to the surrounding Mediterranean landscape. Its oils typically display:

Fresh notes of tomato, tender artichoke, and wild fennel, hints of green apple, and a subtle touch of Montsant herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and Mediterranean flora, a delicate background of soft nuts, and a clean, fresh, and balanced sensation that reflects the character of the Arbequina olive grown in a mountain grove.

It is an oil that doesn't seek to dominate, but rather to subtly complement, revealing its complexity only to those who know how to pause and appreciate it. This quiet elegance is precisely what makes Arbequina such a prized variety for high-quality, single-varietal oils.

Nutrients and benefits: the science behind its softness

The apparent mildness of the Arbequina olive hides a rich and healthy composition. Its oils are notable for:

- a high content of oleic acid (monounsaturated fat recognized for its beneficial role in cardiovascular health),

- an excellent proportion of natural antioxidants (polyphenols and vitamin E),

- a balanced presence of essential fatty acids,

- and a naturally low acidity when grown and processed accurately.

In Montsant, where the variety grows with less water and more natural water stress, the fruits tend to concentrate their beneficial compounds even more, resulting in a stable, aromatic and deeply healthy oil.

Arbequina at HOSTALETS 1898: precision, tradition and time

Each harvest is an exercise in listening. We observe the tree, the weather, the fruit. We harvest only when the olive reaches the precise point that guarantees aromatic purity, freshness, and stability. And we always work with cold temperatures, in small batches, to preserve the identity of the Arbequina olive without altering its delicate nature.

The result is an oil that embodies our house's philosophy:
subtle, elegant, precise and deeply linked to the land that has seen him grow.