Ipša: four organic olive oils and guided tastings near Oprtalj

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Ipša near Oprtalj makes four organic extra virgin olive oils, from gentle Selekcija to intense Istarska bjelica. Guided tastings require advance booking.

Four oils to compare side by side

Leccino, Frantoio, Istarska bjelica and Selekcija differ in aroma and in the balance of bitterness and pepperiness. Tasting them side by side is the clearest way to recognise those differences.

• Leccino is medium-intense and fruity, with fresh olive aromas and moderate bitterness and pepperiness.
• Frantoio brings notes of artichoke, basil and rosemary. Its bitterness is gentler, while the peppery finish is more pronounced.
• Istarska bjelica recalls cut grass, artichoke, mint and rosemary, with a recognisable bitter and peppery character.
• Selekcija blends Istarska bjelica, Leccino, Frantoio, Črnica and Bugla. It is the gentlest oil in the range, with fresh olive and almond aromas.

From the village mill to harvesting by variety

The village mill in Ipši opened in 1929 and processed its last olives in 1966. The family returned to their ancestral groves in 1998 and has harvested each variety separately since 2001. Their sites lie between 180 and 420 metres above sea level and include trees from twenty to two hundred years old.

The family processes the olives on the day of harvest in its own mill. They wash the fruit with chilled water, control the temperature and carry out most of the process under vacuum to limit contact with air. They then keep the oil in stainless-steel tanks under inert gas at a stable temperature.

Frantoio and a consistent record in Flos Olei

Ipša's Frantoio appeared among the twenty oils selected by the Flos Olei guide in 2011 and 2017. In the 2017 edition, it also shared the title of best single-varietal extra virgin olive oil in the intensely fruity category.

In the guide's producer rating, Ipša scored 98 points from 2020 to 2023 and 99 in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 editions. Those scores refer to the estate, while the distinctions from 2011 and 2017 belong specifically to Frantoio.

Comparing the oils during a guided tasting

The Selection programme includes two oils and two wines with local cheeses, bruschetta and homemade bread. Expert covers three oils and three wines, followed by a tour of the estate, mill and olive groves. During the tour, you can see how harvest and processing shape the differences you have just tasted.

For a longer visit, the family offers programmes with more wines, a cellar tour or a truffle theme. All guided tastings require advance booking so the family can prepare the guidance, food and tour included in the chosen programme.

Distance from Bale: 46 minutes driving (45.3 km)

Olive oil score in the Flos Olei guide: 2020 98, 2022 98, 2021 98, 2023 98, 2024 99, 2025 99, 2026 99

For: families, first time visitors, nature lovers, athletes, recreationists, dog owners

Address: Ipši 10, 52427 Livade

What to do: refreshments, food and drink

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