Tenuta Sant'Ilario

Tenuta Sant’Ilario is a premium Italian olive oil brand that began as a family-run agricultural estate before evolving into an internationally recognized exporter of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO).

What distinguishes Tenuta Sant’Ilario is its ability to harmoniously combine the traditional olive oil–making heritage of the Abruzzo region with modern technological innovation. Guided by the philosophy of “Living Agriculture,” the brand integrates sustainable farming principles with distinctive and refined packaging design.

 

From the Roots of Abruzzo to Global Recognition

The Abruzzo region has a long-standing history of olive cultivation. Historical evidence suggests that the Romans introduced and developed olive-growing and olive oil production in this area as early as the 5th century. As a result, centuries-old olive trees can still be found throughout the region today.

Tenuta Sant’Ilario is located in Pineto, in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, central Italy—positioned between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Established in 1982, the estate continues to operate as a family-owned business.

The company was founded by Elio Cerquitelli and later passed on to his son Roberto and his wife Laila Colancecco. Together, they transformed a small-scale agricultural enterprise into a globally respected olive oil brand.

At a time when much of Italy’s olive oil industry was shifting toward large-scale industrial production to increase competitiveness, Tenuta Sant'Ilario chose a different path—remaining committed to traditional production methods while prioritizing quality over quantity.

 

Innovation in Extraction Technology

Tenuta Sant'Ilario is recognized as a pioneer in olive oil extraction technology. The brand utilizes Cold Extraction methods at temperatures below 27°C to preserve the oil’s aroma, flavor, and nutritional properties at their highest quality.

In addition, the company incorporates Ultrasound Technology in its extraction process to enhance the release of antioxidants and chlorophyll without compromising the oil’s natural nutritional integrity. The result is an olive oil with exceptionally low acidity—an indicator of superior quality—featuring a bright emerald-green color and a well-structured, intensely expressive flavor profile.

 

Terroir and the “Linea Suolo” Concept

One of Tenuta Sant'Ilario’s defining strengths lies in its terroir. The brand’s olive groves span geographically diverse areas, directly influencing the oil’s aroma, flavor, and physical characteristics. These cultivation zones are categorized into three distinctive soil types, collectively referred to as “Linea Suolo” (Soil Line), reflecting the unique identity of each terrain:

• Sabbia (Sand) : Olives grown in sandy soil near the coastline produce oils with subtle bitterness and gentle spiciness, complemented by a fresh, sea-inspired aroma.
• Terra (Soil) : Olives cultivated on mid-hill slopes between the sea and the mountains yield oils with exceptional balance, smoothness, and roundness.
• Argilla (Clay) : Olives grown in the clay-rich soils of Atri—characterized by dramatic Calanchi erosion formations—produce oils with intense fruity aromas and complex flavor structures.

Olive Varieties and Their Characteristics

Tenuta Sant’Ilario uses both widely cultivated Italian olive varieties and indigenous Abruzzo cultivars, each contributing unique aromatic and structural qualities:

• Leccino del Corno / Leccino : Produces mild, smooth oil with delicate sweetness and almond notes.
• Frantoio / Frantoiana : Common in Tuscany, delivering medium bitterness and pungency with herbaceous aromas.
• Dritta : An indigenous Abruzzo variety, particularly in the Maiella Mountains and Chieti province. Cold-resistant and resilient, it produces oil with medium-to-intense fruitiness, fresh grass and almond notes, and pronounced bitterness and spiciness—ideal for robust dishes such as meats, vegetables, and aged cheeses.
• Tortiglione : An ancient variety from Teramo and Pescara. Named after its twisted trunk shape, it must be harvested by hand due to its delicate fruit. Rich in polyphenols (antioxidants), it produces high-quality oil with notable pungency.
• Intosso : A native Abruzzo variety traditionally consumed as table olives, later introduced into olive oil production in the early 2000s.

Where Quality Meets Design

If olive oil quality represents the “heart” of Tenuta Sant'Ilario, packaging design represents its “soul.” The brand places exceptional emphasis on design, elevating olive oil from a common kitchen staple to a refined gift and artistic expression that reflects identity, craftsmanship, and sophisticated taste.

 

Signature Product Lines

Tenuta Sant'Ilario offers mono-varietal oils such as:

• 100% Tortiglione – Distinctively pungent and bold
• 100% Intosso – Expressing the unique character of indigenous olives
• Leccio del Corno – Smooth, balanced, and delicately aromatic

Special Olive Oils

• Barricato (Barrel Aged) : Aged in oak barrels, delivering deep, complex aromas with subtle rustic sweetness—ideal for smoked meats or even chocolate pairings.
• Puro (Unfiltered) : Unfiltered oil retaining natural texture and intense fruitiness. Blend: Leccino 40%, Frantoiana 30%, Tortiglione 20%, Dritta 10%. Ideal for raw fish, salads, and fresh vegetables.
• Denocciolata : Produced from olives with pits removed prior to extraction, resulting in a refined, delicate, and clean flavor profile.
• Dazero Novello : Seasonal unfiltered fresh oil with vibrant green color and bold, lively flavor—reflecting the vitality of each harvest year.
• Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Naturally smoked EVOO, offering gentle smoky aromas and added depth to dishes.

Organic Olive Oils

Committed to sustainable agriculture, Tenuta Sant’Ilario offers certified organic lines:

• EVO BIO : Certified organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil emphasizing purity and environmentally responsible production.
• Linea New Fruttati BIO : Organic oil with pronounced fruity character, fresh aroma, and vibrant flavor.

Flavored Olive Oils

The brand also produces flavored EVOO infused with herbs and spices, including garlic, black pepper, chili, rosemary, coffee (particularly popular in Japan and China), lemongrass, and other regional botanicals—offering modern culinary versatility.

 

International Recognition and Sustainability

Tenuta Sant'Ilario has received prestigious international awards, including:

• NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition (New York) – Gold Medal
• JOOP (Japan Olive Oil Prize) – Winner in flavored olive oil category
• Gambero Rosso – Highest ratings from Italy’s leading food guide

Beyond olive oil production, the brand has expanded into agritourism, offering premium accommodations in Tuscany and Abruzzo, allowing visitors to experience authentic olive-growing traditions.

Environmentally, the company prioritizes sustainable farming, reduced plastic use, and efficient water management to preserve natural resources for future generations.

Today, Tenuta Sant'Ilario exports worldwide across Europe, the Americas, and Asia—while strictly maintaining its “100% Made in Italy” standard to preserve its identity and uncompromising quality in every bottle.