Aceite Olis Solé

Olís Solé

Olis Solé is a family business dedicated to the production of extra virgin olive oil in Mont-roig del Camp, Tarragona, in a region with a long olive-growing tradition situated between the inland mountains and the Mediterranean. The history of the Solé family is closely linked to olive cultivation and oil production, knowledge that has been passed down through five generations.

The origins of the family's activities date back to 1824, when they began an agricultural journey that, over the generations, became specialized in olive groves. This legacy forms the foundation of the current Olis Solé, which has successfully evolved from traditional production methods to modern processing focused on obtaining high-quality EVOO.

The company continues to maintain a distinctly family-oriented character. The knowledge accumulated over generations allows for the control of essential aspects, such as the behavior of different plots, the evolution of the olives during the season, and the selection of the right moment to begin harvesting.

Currently, Olis Solé combines this experience with modern production techniques and markets different ranges of oil, among which Mas Tarrés, one of its most representative brands, stands out. The project thus maintains a close relationship with its origins: producing oils that reflect the landscape and traditional varieties of the Mont-roig del Camp area.

Arbequina: the star variety of Olis Solé oils

The Arbequina variety holds a fundamental place in Olis Solé's production. Deeply linked to Catalonia, this variety is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean conditions of Tarragona and forms the basis of some of the family’s most representative oils, especially those marketed under the Mas Tarrés brand.

The Arbequina produces oils that are particularly prized for their aromatic, delicate, and balanced profile. In them, one can find notes of fresh fruit, apple, banana, almond, and various vegetable nuances, generally accompanied by a moderate bitterness and a mild pungency that allow for a harmonious result.

Quality begins with monitoring the olives on the tree itself. Correctly determining the harvest time allows for a balance between ripeness, yield, and sensory characteristics. For the highest quality products, priority is given to healthy fruit, harvested directly from the tree and processed quickly.

Once picked, the olives are transported to the oil mill to minimize the interval between harvest and milling. This aspect is especially important to avoid fermentation and other processes that could deteriorate the aromas achieved in the field.

Extraction is carried out using mechanical procedures at low temperatures, carefully controlling the different stages of the process. Subsequently, the oil is kept in suitable tanks until bottling, protected from factors that can accelerate its oxidation.

In addition to its conventional products, Olis Solé works with organic production and oils protected by the Siurana PDO, reinforcing the company's commitment to quality and origin. The Arbequina thus becomes the common thread between the family tradition, the Tarragona territory, and the characteristic profile of their EVOO.

Olive groves between the mountains of Tarragona and the Mediterranean

The origins of Olis Solé are found in Mont-roig del Camp, in the Baix Camp region, south of Tarragona. This municipality has a long agricultural tradition and enjoys a privileged location between the first mountain elevations inland and the Mediterranean coast.

The landscape consists of a typically Mediterranean mosaic in which olive trees share territory with almond trees, carob trees, and other traditional crops. In this environment, the Arbequina variety has been part of local agriculture for generations and has adapted to conditions marked by dry summers, relatively mild winters, and a significant Mediterranean influence.

The olive groves grow on terrain that combines different compositions and altitudes, providing particular nuances to how the trees behave. Relatively scarce rainfall forces the olive trees to adapt to prolonged periods of dryness, a common characteristic of the agricultural landscapes in this part of Catalonia.

The proximity of the Mediterranean Sea helps to moderate certain temperatures, while the mountains located inland create a territory of contrasts. These conditions, together with the nature of the soils and agricultural management, influence the development and maturation of the Arbequina olives.

Part of Olis Solé's production is linked to the Siurana Protected Designation of Origin, one of the historic designations for Catalan olive oil and especially associated with the Arbequina variety. Belonging to this territory reinforces the connection between the family's oils and the olive-growing heritage of Tarragona.

Thus, Mont-roig del Camp, the Arbequina variety, and more than five generations of family experience constitute the main pillars of Olis Solé. Its oils are the result of a deeply Mediterranean way of understanding the olive grove, in which the landscape, the variety, and the knowledge transmitted over generations remain closely intertwined.