FOOD & WINE Back to Archives

Young, fruity French wines made from just-harvested Gamay grapes get all the attention this time of year – today, in fact –but ’tis also the season for olio nuovo (new oil) – unaged, fruity olive oil made from just-harvested olives. And just like the wine, olio nuovo is produced in limited quantities and meant to be enjoyed immediately. One of the best is from Jovia Groves in Dixon, Calif. Made from Arbequina olives harvested just last month, this clean, grassy oil is packed with fruity pungency, making it the only drizzle you need for salads and pastas, assuming you can resist slurping it by the spoonful. Also try Katz and Co.’s organic December New Oil, a Tuscan-style oil that’s even more pungent and available, well, next month.

Sauce pick: Olio nuovo
Where to get it: Extra Virgin: An Olive Ovation, 143 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton
Price: Jovia Groves Arbequina: $19.95 per 250-ml bottle, Katz & Co. December New Oil: about $28 for a 375-ml bottle.
Info: 314.727.6464 or extravirginoo.com