In the south of Puglia, where ancient olive trees shape the landscape and time moves with the rhythm of the harvest, I set out to find producers who truly define quality.
This journey led me to the Leone family.
Across 370 hectares of olive groves, I discovered more than scale—I found a deep respect for the land. Sabino Leone is a third-generation family estate, but what stood out immediately was their clarity of purpose: to protect what they have built, and to produce olive oil without compromise.
Where It Began
My connection with the Leone family began months earlier in London, at the Speciality Fine Food Fair. It was there that I first tasted their oils. The taste stood apart from any other that I had experienced that day. It was full bodied and well structured. I knew instantly that I needed to experience their work at its source.
Inside the Mill
When I arrived at the Leone estate, I was welcomed by Nino Leone, the next generation of the family. Speaking with him, it was clear that their philosophy is simple but deeply rooted: everything begins with the land.
Inside the mill, I met his father, Sabino Leone, in the middle of production. Despite the language barrier, we understood each other through the process itself. He walked me through each stage—from the washing of freshly harvested olives to the extraction—sharing his passion through action rather than words.
What struck me most was the balance between tradition and innovation. The mill was advanced, precise, and efficient—but never at the expense of quality. Every decision was deliberate. Every step focused.
A Defining Taste
Tasting the freshly pressed Coratina oil was a moment I won’t forget.
The bitterness was immediate, followed by a strong peppery finish—powerful, yet balanced by a remarkable freshness. It was bold, structured, and alive. In that moment, I understood the true character of high-polyphenol Coratina olive oil.
It changed the way I think about olive oil.
From Mill to Table
Later, we sat down for lunch at a local restaurant, set within a historic Puglian building. It was here that I saw how naturally this oil belongs in its environment.
The chef spoke highly of Sabino Leone oils—not just as an ingredient, but as something essential to the identity of the dishes. It was a reminder that great olive oil doesn’t just accompany food—it elevates it.
What Stayed With Me
Throughout the visit, one idea remained constant: growth should never come at the expense of integrity.
The Leone family are not chasing volume. They are focused on producing the best oil they can, while protecting the land that makes it possible. Their approach is long-term, generational, and deeply considered.
Why This Matters to Me
I left Puglia with more than just an experience.
I left with a clearer understanding of what I value: not only exceptional taste, but the responsibility behind it. The respect for the land. The care for future generations. The commitment to doing things the right way.
This is what I look for.
This is what I stand behind.
About the author
Nick Ednie is the founder and curator of The Olive Library, a personal journey into the world of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. With a deep love of food, Nick travels the Mediterranean to discover and share some of the finest olive oils available. He has also deepened his expertise through study at the prestigious EVOO School. Nick’s mission is to champion heritage, quality and education in every bottle he selects and to bring the stories behind exceptional producers to life. When he’s not tasting and sourcing oils, he writes about flavour, terroir and the art of olive oil appreciation.