Brist: olive oils and guided tastings in Vodnjan

Closed. Opens on today 10:00.

Brist in Vodnjan makes olive oils from restored century-old Buža trees. Its guided tasting compares five oils by variety, harvest and milling.

An olive grove established around old trees

Silvano Puhar began production in 2002, drawing on family knowledge that goes back to his grandmother Ana from Murgani. The Santa Margherita olive grove was developed around the restored trees. It now contains more than 2,500 trees across approximately ten hectares of gentle slopes above Vodnjan, with views towards the Brijuni Islands.

At least ten cultivars are grown. Fruit from century-old Buža and Rosignola trees is set aside for the limited selection, while the other cultivars allow the oils to develop widely differing characters.

From mild Delicato to more robust Intenso

Delicato blends Buža Puntoža, Leccino and Pendolino and is the mildest oil in the range. Sta Margherita is made solely from Vodnjan Buža. Intenso combines Istrian Bianchera, Frantoio, Rosignola, Morasola and Carbonazza and has more pronounced bitterness and pungency. Oleum blends ten cultivars for broader use in the kitchen.

Exclusive Selection is produced in limited quantities from Vodnjan Buža and Rosignola fruit harvested from century-old trees. At EVOOLEUM 2023, it received 93 points and shared the highest score among ten selected oils in the limited production category.

Processing within hours of harvest

The timing of the early hand harvest is set separately for each cultivar. The olives reach a local olive mill three to six hours after picking and are processed at approximately 23 °C. The oil is then stored in stainless steel tanks at 16 °C, in darkness and under nitrogen, to slow oxidation and the loss of freshness.

Guided tasting and olive grove tour

At Brist’s shop and tasting room at Antonio Smareglia 115/1, the full range can be sampled free of charge with expert guidance. The premises are wheelchair accessible. Olive grove tours are arranged by reservation. In summer, the evening tour includes a tasting and light meal. From October to May, a daytime tour with a tasting is offered.

From April to November, the premises are open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. From December to March, they are open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. During the colder months, a visit must be confirmed in advance.

Distance from Bale: 10 minutes driving (8.7 km)

Olive oil score in the Flos Olei guide: 2020 92, 2021 92

Address: Antonio Smareglia 115/1, 52215 Vodnjan, Istria, Croatia

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