The Production
FROM THE CORATINA MONOCULTIVAR TO EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Technique at the service of quality
The extraction process is fundamental when wishing to maintain the organoleptic properties of the EVO oil resultant from freshly harvested olives intact
The olives are processed through several phases within 24 hours from harvesting to extract in just a few minutes the most fragrant and healthy EVO oil. The first phase is the defoliation, closely followed by washing of the olives before low temperature pressing through state-of-the-art machinery, thus reducing the pulp and stone into a creamy paste. Subsequently, the so called “malaxation” takes places, a method through which the paste is mechanically stirred during a 15-20 mins period, to achieve the release and separation of the oil molecules. Ultimately, the centrifuge separates the oil from the by-product (represented by pomace, vegetation water and stone fragments). And, finally, storage in stainless steel tanks at low temperature occurs which, with the addition of nitrogen saturation, allows for the best preservation of the extra virgin olive oils produced.
Limited and controlled use of pesticides, organoleptic and multi-residue analyses, diligence and dedication to each step of the production process allow for a truly genuine and high quality product. The final tasting is the pinnacle, the moment during which one appreciates all the harmony of an extra virgin olive oil defined by a strikingly intense aroma, with its spicy and bitterish taste, typical of the Coratina variety.
The Corona delle Puglie extra virgin olive oil, obtained from Coratina olives, is characterised by a fruity, spicy and bitter scent:
From olives harvested in November during the early stages of ripening of the Coratina variety, this is an intense, fragrant, and structured oil, with vegetal notes of fresh grass, artichoke, and green almond, accompanied by a pronounced and persistent bitterness and spiciness.
From olives harvested in December with a medium-advanced degree of ripening, this is a harmonious and balanced oil, with delicate vegetal notes of fresh grass, almond, and artichoke, accompanied by moderate bitterness and spiciness that are well integrated, making the oil elegant and versatile in food pairings.
LIGHT: obtained from fully ripe olives harvested during January or at the very end of the oil campaign
Discover the aromas, taste and ability to add fragrance to dishes:
Quality cannot be improvised, it must be cultivated
Thanks to the extraordinary characteristics of the Coratina variety and to the commitment of each member of the COVAN cooperative
COVAN is registered with DOP Terra di Bari Castel del Monte (DOP standing for Denominazione di Origine Protetta, hence Protected Designation of Origin, EU cert. label for agricultural products/foods) since 2008 both as a processor and as a bottler/trader and holds the same qualifications also with IGP Olio di Puglia (IGP standing for Indicazione Geografica Protetta, hence Protected Geographical Indication, EU cert. label ensuring specific quality and that at least one production phase occurs in its region of origin). Those are significant milestones which mark the ability of the cooperative to pursue its internationalisation objectives, focusing on quality and high standards. Furthermore, COVAN holds a regularly up-to-date Organic certification.
5 drops of excellence from Bibenda Italia for Corona delle Puglie Medium Fruity and Corona delle Puglie Organic
Italian Sommelier Foundation/Italian Olive Oil Sommelier Association
2022-2024-2025-2026
Gold Quality Standard for Corona delle Puglie Monocultivar Coratina
Masters of Olive Oil International Contest Monte Carlo
2022-2024-2025-2026
Gold Quality Standard for Corona delle Puglie Medium Fruity
Masters of Olive Oil International Contest Monte Carlo
2025
Silver Quality Standard for Organic Corona delle Puglie
Masters of Olive Oil International Contest, Monte Carlo
2025
3rd place certificate for Best EVO Oils of Puglia
Crown of Puglia in the Monocultivar Coratina Intense Fruity category at PUGLIA EVO 2025
AIS PUGLIA/Puglia Region – Department of Agriculture
Selection of the Best Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Puglia, Special Mention
Corona delle Puglie BIO in the Monocultivar Coratina Intense Fruity category at PUGLIA EVO 2025
AIS PUGLIA/Puglia Region – Department of Agriculture
3rd place certificate for Best EVO Oils of Puglia
Corona delle Puglie BIO in the Monocultivar Coratina Intense Fruity category at PUGLIA EVO 2026
AIS PUGLIA/Puglia Region – Department of Agriculture
Certificate of Best EVO Oils of Puglia Great Mention
Crown of Puglia in the Monocultivar Coratina Medium Fruity category at PUGLIA EVO 2026
AIS PUGLIA/Puglia Region – Department of Agriculture
QOCO XVII – A Golden Thread on the Plate – International Olive Oil and Food Competition for Young Mediterranean Chefs – Turkish chef Kardelen Soyalp wins with her “Braised artichokes with Andria EVO oil, gambilya and fennel salad” paired with the CRU restaurant and the COVAN olive oil company
3rd prize with honors of excellence/5 golden drops from O.L.E.A. (Organization of Expert Tasters Laboratory) for Corona delle Puglie Fruttato Intenso at “L’Oro del Mediterraneo – 14th Competition for Mediterranean EVO oils” (International Award) 2025
Present in the prestigious guide “Oli d’Italia” reported by “Gambero Rosso” 2025-2026, and in the “Guida agli extra vergine” 2025-2026, published by “Slow Food”.