What Is Olio Nuovo? The Freshest Expression of Olive Oil

Each harvest season brings one of the most exciting moments in the world of olive oil: Olio Nuovo — literally translated as “new oil.” Bottled immediately after pressing, this early-harvest extra virgin olive oil captures olives at their freshest, boldest, and most vibrant stage.

Unlike filtered oils that have settled over time, Olio Nuovo is often unfiltered, intensely aromatic, and alive with character. It’s the closest you can get to tasting olive oil straight from the mill.

What Makes Olio Nuovo So Special?

Olio Nuovo is produced from olives harvested in the first weeks of the season, when they are still bright green and rich in natural antioxidants known as polyphenols. These compounds are responsible for:

• The signature peppery finish in the back of the throat
  A pleasant bitterness on the palate
  Fresh, grassy and herbaceous aromas
  Exceptional health benefits

Because of its high phenolic content and early harvest timing, Olio Nuovo is typically more robust and expressive than later-harvest oils. It’s also produced in limited quantities and available only for a short time each year — making it a true seasonal treasure.

Our Olio Nuovo Selection

At Olive Ovation, we proudly feature award-winning Olio Nuovo oils that represent the pinnacle of freshness and craftsmanship.

Laconiko Olio Nuovo (Limited Reserve)

Our Limited Reserve Olio Nuovo is crafted from the first two weeks of harvest and is celebrated for its bold, peppery profile and vibrant green intensity. With exceptional phenolic levels and multiple international awards, this oil is designed for those who appreciate depth, structure, and a lively finish. Drizzle it over grilled vegetables, finish a bowl of soup, or pour generously over warm bread to experience its brilliance.

The Koroneiki Connection

Many of the finest Olio Nuovo oils are made from Koroneiki olives, a prized Greek varietal known for its high polyphenol content and remarkable stability. Koroneiki produces oils that are:

• Intensely aromatic

• Naturally peppery

• Beautifully balanced between fruitiness and bitterness

Our Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a wonderful example of this classic Greek varietal. While not always bottled as Olio Nuovo, it carries the same vibrant character and structure that make early-harvest oils so distinctive.

Meet Zoi: Greek Heritage in Every Drop

We are also proud to feature Zoi Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a premium Greek oil crafted with care and tradition. Zoi offers a smooth yet lively profile, making it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It bridges the gap between bold early-harvest oils and everyday finishing oils — ideal for salads, roasted fish, grain bowls, and Mediterranean dishes.

How to Use Olio Nuovo

Because of its intensity, Olio Nuovo shines best as a finishing oil. Try it:

• Drizzled over grilled halibut or roasted chicken

• Swirled into lentil or white bean soup

• Finished over ratatouille or pasta

• Poured over vanilla gelato with flaky sea salt (trust us!)

• Simply served with crusty bread and a sprinkle of sea salt

Heat can mute some of its vibrant aromatics, so save it for the final flourish.

A Seasonal Celebration

Olio Nuovo is more than just olive oil — it’s the celebration of harvest, craftsmanship, and freshness. Whether you gravitate toward the bold intensity of our Limited Reserve, the classic structure of Koroneiki, or the elegant versatility of Zoi, each bottle tells the story of its grove and its growers.

Stop in and taste the difference. Harvest season only comes once a year.