A Little Bit of Italy

Sure you’ve gone wine tasting, but have you ever gone olive oil tasting?

John, his wife Jodie, their daughter Jourden (13) and son Jace (12) left their home in South Lake Tahoe in 1995 and took over the ranch in Placerville that his grandparents, Achillli and Asunta Marchini had purchased in 1971. “We were pretty sick of the snow,” he said, “I think my grandfather would be proud to see what we’ve done with the ranch.”

John points to a grove of olive trees that were planted about three years ago. “Those trees are producing,” he said turning and pointing to a horizon filled with younger trees. “Hopefully those will be producing this fall. I’ve found that it’s best not to mess with olive trees,” he said, pointing out that it was a series of trial and error that finally got the grove established. Up until this point, John’s been purchasing his extra virgin olive oil from another grower, but this year, he’ll have his first “press.”

The “press” that John is talking about will take the olives that the Gold Hill Olive Oil Company has produced, transport them to a press in the valley, where the olives will be pressed, filtered, placed in huge barrels and brought back to the ranch.

The trick to growing olives that make the finest extra virgin olive oil is not letting the olives stay on the tree too long. You’ve got to get them while they are half purple and half green,” John said. “In order to be called extra virgin the olive oil has to have less than one- percent acidity. Too much acidity ruins the taste.” John said that early Europeans liked their olive oil aged, which gives the oil a flavor that’s not often desirable to Americans. He suggests that olive oil be kept in the door of the refrigerator and brought out to become room temperature before using on salads, dipping, or as a marinade. He also suggests that olive oil be stored out of the light and to avoid leaving it in the heat. As for cooking with it, bringing to a heat of 400 degrees or higher takes all of the good qualities out of it. Olive oil is believed to lower cholesterol and is loaded with vitamin E. “The best thing to do with olive oil is just eat it!” he laughs.

A stone building that once served as the lower floor of one of the original homes on the property is now the tasting room. Before you start thinking that it’s a dank basement kind of place, think again. Through the heavy doors you’ll be greeted by Michele, Andi, Jodie or John. Michele and her daughter Andi help out with the Retreat, managing bookings, as well as making sure that every need of their guests is met. But inside the tasting room, they all greet those who are tasting olive oil for the first time. “They’re really funny,” John said, standing in front of eight different flavored bottles of extra virgin olive oil. “Especially after they’ve been wine tasting all day.”

If you haven’t gone olive oil tasting, get ready for an experience like no other. One of the unflavored bottles has a woody flavor, while another hints of apple. Still another offers a peppery taste as it hits the back of the mouth. “The guys like that one,” John said. Visitors may take tiny bits of French bread made locally at the Sierra Rizing in Coloma and dip it into the small cups of oil. “Some hold it in their hands, warming it so to speak and then take in the aroma. Then they taste the oils.” What about all of those olive oils that have been enhanced with herbs like basil, or maybe lemon or jalapeno? John said that during the pressing process, they are infused with the flavors and filtered until only the pure live oil remains.

For now the only places you can get Gold Hill Olive Oil is at Diedricks Downtown Cheese Co. on Main Street in Placerville, at Sierra Rizing in Coloma, and at Boeger Winery in Apple Hill.

Gold Hill Olive Oil Co. and Retreat and Event Ranch is a one of a kind place here in El Dorado Co. It’s located at 5601 Gold Hill Rd. in Placerville. Visit their web site at goldhillretreat.com or give them a call at 530-621-7073. For weddings and special events, consider reserving the rambling ranch-style home, pool and spa. A park-like setting makes this a picture perfect place to stage a wedding or corporate retreat.