Castillo de Canena is an acclaimed, award winning olive oil producer from Jaen, Spain. It is responsible for producing some of the world’s best olive oils. In 2003 it launched its First Day of Harvest Edition, which has since become its flagship product. What differentiates it from other olive oils is its early harvesting, resulting in a more intense natural flavour and healthier properties, essential to the Mediterranean diet. This is achieved through select agricultural expertise based on varietal seasonality and cutting-edge technology, respecting the harmony and sourcing of olive trees. With a focus on preserving tradition and embracing modern techniques, Castillo de Canena has gained international recognition among consumers, chefs, and culinary experts across the 60 countries it is distributed.
The “First Day of Harvest” commemorates remarkable individuals showcasing their work in the fields of art, culture, sports and science. Moreover, it signifies the beginning of the harvest season when the olives are first picked. In 2024, coinciding with the centenary of his birth, the protagonist is the abstract painter Fernando Zóbel. This unique bottle is a testament of the blend between the expertise and meticulous craftsmanship and the celebration of the art of such renowned artist.
Rosa Vañó, sales director for Castillo de Canena wants to “thank the Padilla Zóbel family for all their support and kindness, which have made this 2023 First Day of Harvest possible. Two of Fernando Zóbel’s magnificent paintings have been adapted for our labels. One is his Dos de Mayo IV, owned by the Juan March Foundation, and used on the Picual bottle, and the other is his Luz Pálida, II, owned by the Ayala Foundation, and used on the Arbequina bottle, giving us the chance to pay tribute to this distinguished icon of Spanish-Filipino culture on the centenary of his birth. Fernando Zóbel represents – as few have been able to do – the universality and timelessness of creativity and talent, values that we at Castillo de Canena greatly admire.”
For Francisco Vañó, managing director at Castillo de Canena, this new edition dedicated to Fernando Zóbel “comes in a year in which the harvest has been particularly difficult and complicated. Although the trees were watered using a localised irrigation system, they began flowering three weeks earlier than usual: this was due to extreme heat coupled with a lack of rainfall throughout the early part of spring. Although flowering was expected to be very good, the persistent high temperatures in late April and the first fortnight in May scorched most of the buds, drastically reducing fruit quantity. Very few olives on the trees, very differing fruit production and a very rapid maturity: this was the scenario we faced. Finally, we managed to overcome this dire scenario thanks to the involvement of our team, by using high-tech machinery and integral refrigeration systems together with a scrupulous process of choosing the specific estates and fruit. The effort made was huge, but, once again, we are very happy with the obtained results.”
Picual First Day of Harvest
Origin: Pago de la Loma del Santo estate
A very deep green oil. Strong fruitiness with plant-like notes of olive leaves, leafy greens, and aromatic plants reminiscent of the countryside and being in the wild.
In the mouth it is powerful and complex, yet it is surprisingly fresh and balanced from the start. Notes of artichoke, tomato, walnut shell, and wild rock rose predominate. Bitterness and pungency merge and are balanced, developing, and disappearing slowly and then lingering. It has a mild leafy astringency with the menthol aftertaste of basil.
Arbequina First Day of Harvest
Origin: Pago de la Duquesa estate
A very fruity golden-green oil with aromas of freshly cut grass and green olives that predominate over other fruity aromas; it has a fresh but sweet point of ripeness.
In the mouth it is light and, on the palate, it is very pleasant and smooth with the same sensations as those on the nose; fresh green notes of grass and green almond, developing into sweet but green fruity notes in the background that are reminiscent of stewed green apple, pear and ripe banana skin.
A very harmonious and long aftertaste with a good balance of bitterness and pungency that quickly fades, developing a hint of white pepper in the throat.
