Among the gentle hills of Tuscia Viterbese, where the land embraces the Tuscan Maremma, there is a fruit capable of enclosing within itself all the strength and beauty of this territory: the Caninese Olive. Small, precious and with an intense colour, it is often defined as a small “green diamond” for its ability to transform into a extra virgin olive oil with extraordinary aromatic nuances. In this article we discover its history, its connection with Canino and how to live an authentic experience at the Cerrosughero Oil Mill by Laura De Parri.
Canino and its olives: a treasure between Lazio and Tuscany
Canino is a village immersed in the scents of the Maremma Laziale, a few kilometers from the Tuscan border. Here, where the landscape alternates vineyards, olive groves, and Etruscan remains, nature offers its best. It's a place where time passes slowly, and each season is accompanied by the rhythms of agriculture, the sounds of the olive oil mill, and the smiles of those who work the land with passion. It is precisely in these fertile hills that the’Caninese Olive, a symbol of a perfect balance between climate, altitude, and tradition. Sea breezes blend with the gentle inland air, creating the ideal conditions for these small olives to develop intense aromas and unmistakable herbaceous notes. It's no coincidence that Canino is considered the oil capital of Tuscia, a reference point for those seeking authenticity and quality. Those who visit Canino discover not just a fruit, but a way of life. Every olive tree tells a story, every harvest becomes a celebration. And today, this legacy is renewed thanks to mills like Cerrosughero, where tradition meets innovation, keeping alive the pride of a community and the flavor of a timeless territory.An ancient fruit that encompasses history and territory
L'Caninese Olive It has ancient roots, dating back to the Etruscan era. Even then, the people who inhabited these lands recognized its value, exploiting it to produce a fine oil, used not only in cooking but also in sacred rituals and beauty treatments. It's no surprise, then, that Canino is considered a place where oil is culture before it is food. Small, oval, and intensely green in color, this variety stands out for its high content of polyphenols, which give it antioxidant properties and a long shelf life. The resulting oil is bright, with a balanced flavor: medium fruity, with notes of artichoke, green almond, and a light spicy finish that makes it perfect for enhancing simple, authentic dishes. Behind every drop of Canino Extra Virgin Olive Oil Meticulous work goes into this: hand-picking, cold-pressing, and selecting the finest olives. All this contributes to creating a distinctive product, capable of expressing Canino through the flavor and emotion that only an ancient fruit can convey.From the mill to the glass: the art of Caninese olive oil
Enter the Cerrosughero Oil Mill It means living an authentic experience. The smell of freshly pressed olives, the sound of the millstones, the light filtering onto the steel vats: everything speaks of the passion and expertise of Laura De Parri, heir to a long olive oil tradition that has transformed quality into culture. Here, every stage of the process is a small ritual. The olives are processed within hours of being harvested to preserve their aromas and nutritional properties. technical tasting of oil in blue glasses It allows you to recognize its sensory notes—from fruity to spicy—and understand its myriad nuances. It's a journey that engages all the senses, a true journey into the heart of Tuscia's green gold. After discovering the magic that happens "behind the scenes," it's impossible not to want to savor it in the most authentic way: on a bruschetta still warm, perhaps accompanied by a glass of local wine and the story of those who, every year, passionately renew this ancient art.Experience the oil with the Cerrosughero Classic Tour
After walking through the ancient streets of Canino and breathing in the scent of the olive trees, it's time to savor the present. Classic Cerrosughero Tour (€15 – Mon/Sat morning) It's the perfect choice for those who want to truly understand what "Olio Canino" means. This tour includes:- Guided tour of the oil mill, to discover the secrets of olive transformation;
- Technical tasting of 3 extra virgin olive oils, including the unmistakable Caninese;
- A bruschetta with new oil served with a glass of wine local, for a small moment of pleasure and conviviality.
