The months of January and February are the coldest season on the coastal side of Tuscany. It is, however, a relatively pleasant cold, as it is often dry and comes with bright blue skies. During cloudless nights, the thermometer often goes below zero - but during the day, it can reach about 15 degrees.

Frost is dangerous for the olives; temperatures below -5 to -10 are usually a threat to the harvest, depending on the variety of olive trees. But low temperatures, especially during the night, remain important for the farming of olive trees and the production of a high quality olive oil.

The olive tree needs to be pruned regularly in order to maximise oil production. Small, low branches need to be cut, and the crown of the tree needs to be lightened. However, as is often the case, trimming can weaken the tree. Every cut branch is like a wound and an open door to diseases. With the cold, vegetal activity slows down, therefore reducing the risk of disease.

The cold weather can also help eradicate parasites, both those that attack the tree and those that feast on the olives. The main one is the olive fly, which, during the summer, if meteorological conditions allow, lays eggs in the young fruits. The larvae that then develops makes the olive fall prematurely, forcing the oil producer to harvest earlier.

However, harvesting and pressing olives too early leads to the production of an excessively bitter olive oil, lacking in taste and nuance.

The cold can therefore be our ally... only if it is not too intense, and if it does not take place during the flowering season!

Life at Villa Ambretta

Living in Maremma, at the Villa Ambretta, allows us to enjoy the beauty of everyday events and things – this blog seeks to share this renewed joy with you.