Frantoi Cutrera

In southeastern Sicily, in the Monti Iblei, Chiaramonte Gulfi is situated on a hilltop ridge. Here, between 350 and 450 meters above sea level, the Cutrera family presses their olive oil from a variety native only to this region: the Tonda Iblea, DOP-protected and with an unmistakably green character.

A Sicilian Family Business

Its roots trace back to 1906. In 1979, Giovanni Cutrera and his wife Maria built their first own mill. Today, their three children Maria, Giusy, and Salvatore run the business with their spouses. In 1999, a second mill was added – where the Cutreras process not only their own olives but also those of their neighbors from the Monti Iblei.

Tonda Iblea – an Olive with DOP Protection

The Tonda Iblea is a Sicilian specialty that grows only in a precisely defined area in the southeast of the island. Its oil bears the DOP protection “Monti Iblei” – all steps from cultivation to processing and bottling must take place within the area of origin. The oil is intensely green, with distinct aromas of ripe tomatoes, artichokes, and green herbs – one of the most distinctive Italian oils of all.

Hand-harvested, immediately pressed

In about 150 hectares of olive groves, the still-green olives are picked by hand and pressed within a few hours in their own mill – a processing method that ensures maximum aroma density.

What to use a Cutrera oil for

Tonda Iblea oil belongs on bread, over tomato salads, with Caprese, grilled vegetables, or pasta in olive oil-garlic sauce. Its intense character also carries well with spicy cheese or fried fish.

Frequently asked questions about Frantoi Cutrera

What does DOP Monti Iblei mean?

DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) is the strictest Italian designation of origin. For olive oil, this means that the olives must come from a precisely defined area, be processed and bottled there, and the olive varieties are specified in the DOP statute. For "Monti Iblei," these are the southeastern Sicilian hills around Chiaramonte Gulfi with Tonda Iblea as the main variety.

How does Sicilian olive oil taste?

Sicilian Tonda Iblea oils are among the most intense Italian oils – very green, with strong aromas of ripe tomatoes, artichokes, and herbs. They are more powerful than Ligurian oils and somewhat fresher than Apulian ones – a unique, easily recognizable signature.

Why single-varietal olive oil instead of a blend?

Single-varietal oils (Monocultivar) show the character of a single olive in its purest form – ideal if you are studying varieties or specifically looking for a particular aromatic note. Blends are often more balanced and suitable for everyday use but lose the clear varietal character.

→ More from Italy in our Italian Olive Oil selection, other varieties in the Olive Oil overview.