Timbro Istriano is produced from Frantoio olives (sometimes with the addition of Bianchera), grown in Istria (Croatia), often under organic conditions. It has a fresh, green-fruity aroma with notes of grass, almond, banana, and spices.
The taste is balanced between sweet and bitter, with a piquant finish. This profile makes it an elegant and complex oil, with hints of artichoke and subtle layers of black pepper. It is excellent for use raw as a finishing drizzle for dishes such as shellfish, risotto, cold salads, soups, as well as roasted vegetables and meat.
It is also ideal for dipping with bread. The oil is highly rated — ranked among the best olive oils in the world.
It often comes in a darker color, such as cobalt blue, which further protects the oil from light and preserves its quality. It should be stored in a cool, dark place.
Producer
Mate Olive Oil is a family-run olive mill founded in 1994 in Zambratija, near Umag. The founder, Mate Vekić, planted his first olive trees and started the mill at the age of 75.
Today, his daughter Aleksandra has taken over the management, integrating modern processing and bottling techniques while preserving the traditional approach to production. They own about 27,500 olive trees spread over 69 hectares and produce several single-varietal and blended oils, including Bianca Bellezza, Timbro Istriano, Viola Tonda, and the Trasparenza Marina blend, all from organic production. Alongside a strong commitment to tradition, Mate stands out for its ecological approach — olives are handpicked and processed quickly after harvesting in a modern mill, and the oils are certified as organic extra virgin.
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Best olive oils from other producers
- Best in Croatia
- Best in the World