Frequently Asked Questions

Our oil is 100% Italian, produced exclusively from olives grown in the Gargano National Park in Puglia, Italy. We manage over 400 hectares of centuries-old olive trees in an unspoilt, protected environment.

We are a family-run business with a tradition spanning five generations (since 1895). Unlike many brands that blend oils from various sources, we control the entire production chain—from farming and harvesting to milling and bottling—within a 50-mile radius of our groves. This ensures our Extra Virgin Olive Oil is high in quality, with low acidity and freshness.

That “burn” is caused by polyphenols. It is a hallmark of high-quality, fresh extra virgin olive oil, particularly those made from the Coratina and Ogliarola cultivars.

Clemente olive oil tastes peppery because it is a high-quality, cold-pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) with a high concentration of polyphenols. These natural antioxidants, specifically a compound called oleocanthal, are responsible for the distinctive pungent, spicy, or peppery sensation at the back of the throat.

Not necessarily. Both are high-quality certifications. DOP is more restrictive and focuses on micro-regions, while IGP covers larger regional territories.

DOP (Protected Designation of Origin): This is the strictest certification. Every step of production—from growing the olives to the milling and bottling—must take place within a specific, limited geographical area using traditional methods. It guarantees a very specific regional character and flavor profile.

IGP (Protected Geographical Indication): This certification is slightly more flexible but still ensures high quality. At least one of the stages of production (growing, processing, or preparation) must take place in the specified region. Our IGP Puglia range, for example, guarantees that the olives are characteristic of the Puglia region, meeting rigorous standards for quality and authenticity.

Read the full article DOP vs IGP.

The Coratina cultivar is the most famous, known for its intense flavor and high health-boosting polyphenols. It is known for a bold, pungent taste that is highly sought after by those who appreciate intense olive oil. Its flavor is typically described as fruity, with distinct notes of artichoke, green almond, and fresh-cut grass, ending with a strong, spicy kick (piquancy).

Ogliarola Garganica is an indigenous olive cultivar primarily famous for producing high-quality, delicate, and balanced profiles. Often featuring medium fruitiness with distinct notes of almond, fresh herbs, and green apple. Unlike the Coratina, Ogliarola Garganica offers a gentler flavor with a restrained, pleasant peppery finish.

Peranzana is a prestigious and ancient Italian olive cultivar primarily grown in the northern Puglia region (specifically the Foggia area) that is famous for producing high-quality, delicate, and well-balanced extra virgin olive oil. It is known for its elegant, medium-light fruitiness, with characteristic notes of fresh almond, artichoke, tomato leaf, and a delicate peppery finish.

Yes. All our Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is extracted using cold-pressing mechanical methods at temperatures below 27°C. This ensures the oil retains its natural antioxidants, vitamins, and authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.

We offer a dedicated Organic (BIO) range, including our Terra Biodinamica and Premium IGP Puglia oils. These are grown in rocky, hilly terrains where olive trees flourish spontaneously without chemical intervention.

Both! While our Organic, Gourmet and Premium ranges are exceptional for finishing salads, seafood, and bread, our Pure Everyday selection is perfect for sautéing and roasting. High-quality EVOO has a higher smoke point than many realise, making it a healthy choice for most home cooking.

Italian EVOO, particularly from the Puglia region, is renowned globally not just for flavor, but for its superior nutritional profile. By choosing authentic Italian oil, you benefit from:

• Optimal Climate & Soil: The unique limestone-rich soil and Mediterranean climate of the Gargano National Park encourage olive trees to produce high levels of polyphenols, the micronutrients that fight aging and disease.
• High Oleic Acid Content: Italian varieties like the Coratina or Ogliarola (used in Olio Clemente) are naturally high in stable monounsaturated fats, which are essential for brain health and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
• Authentic Mediterranean Diet Standards: Italy has some of the strictest production regulations in the world (such as IGP Puglia standards). This ensures the oil is rich in Vitamins E and K, free from industrial blending, and maintains its status as a “functional food” that supports metabolic health.

Choosing Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) ensures you are getting the purest, most nutrient-dense form of olive oil available. Because it is produced separately from our normal EVOO and without synthetic chemicals and extracted using only mechanical cold-pressing, it offers several key benefits:

• Higher Antioxidant Levels: Rich in polyphenols and Vitamin E, organic EVOO helps protect your cells from oxidative stress.
• Heart Health: High in monounsaturated fats, it helps manage cholesterol levels and supports cardiovascular function.
• Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Contains Oleocanthal, a natural compound that helps reduce inflammation in the body.
• Zero Chemical Residues: Organic certification guarantees the olives were grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, ensuring a clean product.
• Environmental Integrity: Organic farming supports soil health and biodiversity, protecting the Mediterranean ecosystem for future generations.

Biodynamic farming goes beyond organic; it treats the farm as a self-sustaining, living organism. To ensure your oil is truly biodynamic, look for the following:

• Official Certification: Look for the Demeter logo on the packaging. This is the primary international certification body for biodynamic products.
• Traceability: Truly biodynamic brands, like Olio Clemente with our Terra Biodinamica range, provide clear information about the specific estate and the holistic methods used to cultivate the groves.
• Holistic Practices: Biodynamic oil is produced following lunar cycles for planting and harvesting, and uses natural composts instead of any outside fertilizers, ensuring a deep connection between the land and the final product.

You can purchase our full range directly through our official Australian online store. We also supply select premium grocers and specialty Italian delis across the country. Please call or message us and we can redirect you to the right shop!

Yes! We provide secure shipping to all states and territories across Australia. We take great care in our packaging to ensure your glass bottles or tins arrive safely.

To maintain freshness, store your oil in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat (like a pantry, not next to the stove). Our glass bottles and cans are specifically chosen to protect the oil from light degradation.

Read more on how to Protect Your Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil.