A. ABOUT THE PRODUCT

Where do the olives come from?
Oligio olives come exclusively from the Acequión Valley in San Juan, Argentina. Located at the foothills of the Andean precordillera, this region offers ideal conditions: intense sunlight, pure glacial meltwater, and mineral-rich soil. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, our harvest (May–June) arrives fresh in New York when Mediterranean oils have already been aging for months.

What is Coratina, and why does it matter?
Coratina is an olive variety native to Puglia, Southern Italy, renowned for its high polyphenol content (potent antioxidants), robust and intense flavor with herbaceous notes, a peppery finish, and a structure and complexity preferred by professional chefs. It is the varietal Italian producers use to add body to their premium blends. Oligio uses it pure—100% monovarietal, never blended with milder or cheaper oils.

Is the oil really organic?
Yes, and we can prove it. Oligio holds USDA Organic certification (NOP - National Organic Program), the most stringent standard in the United States. This guarantees regular independent audits, zero synthetic pesticides, zero chemical fertilizers, and complete traceability. These are not just words; it is a seal for which we are legally accountable.

What does it mean for an olive oil to be "premium"?
Premium means three verifiable standards:

1. Coratina Monovarietal: We use a single olive variety, the Italian Coratina. No blends, no shortcuts. This varietal is known for its intensity, high polyphenol content, and the robust flavor that professional chefs prefer.
2. Ultra-low acidity: <0.3% (the "extra virgin" standard allows up to 0.8%). Lower acidity = perfect olives + optimal processing.
3. Complete traceability: Every single bottle can be traced back to its specific batch, harvest date, and exact grove. In an industry plagued by fraud, this is rare. For us, it is mandatory.

Why does the oil taste so intense or peppery?
If you are used to supermarket oils and Oligio surprises you with its intensity, that is a sign of quality, not a defect. The peppery sensation in the throat indicates a high polyphenol (antioxidant) content. The slight bitterness comes from healthy, intact phenolic compounds. The robust flavor is authentic Coratina. Oxidized, old, or ultra-refined oils lose these compounds. A premium extra virgin olive oil must have some bitterness and pungency. Professional tasters call this the "throat test."

What is the shelf life of the product?
Oligio maintains its properties for 18 months from harvest. Many brands do not show when their oil was harvested because it could be years old. We display it transparently because we stand by our freshness. For optimal preservation: store in a cool, dark place, tightly closed. Do not refrigerate.

How should I store the oil once opened?
Once opened, simply keep it tightly closed in a cool, dark place. The dark glass bottle is already designed to protect the oil from light. It does not need refrigeration, but it must be kept away from heat sources like stoves or ovens.

Does the product have certifications?
Oligio is USDA Organic (NOP) certified and meets all extra virgin olive oil quality standards: laboratory-verified acidity <0.3%, certified cold-pressed processing, and complete traceability of origin. We are currently entering the NYIOOC (New York International Olive Oil Competition).

Is it suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?
100% yes. Oligio is:

• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Gluten-Free
• Paleo / Keto / Whole30
• Free of additives, preservatives, or anything artificial.
  It is pure olive oil. Olives and nothing else.

What is the difference between Oligio and other extra virgin olive oils?
Three differences you can verify:

1. Specific Varietal (not a generic blend): Oligio is 100% Coratina monovarietal. Most commercial oils are blends used to mask lower-quality oils. We declare exactly which olive we use and why: Coratina is the robust Italian varietal with the highest polyphenol content and the most complex flavor.
2. Real Traceability (not marketing): Every bottle includes:Specific origin: Acequión Valley, San Juan, Argentina.Traceable batch number.Verifiable third-party certifications.
   In an industry where studies show 69% of imported "extra virgin" oils fail to meet standards, this is a major differentiator.
3. Counter-seasonal Freshness: We harvest in May–June (Southern Hemisphere). When you buy Oligio in the New York spring, you receive oil from the latest harvest. Mediterranean oils at that point have been aging for 6 to 12 months.
   In short: We don't sell an Instagram lifestyle or fancy packaging. We sell the exact oil promised on the label.

Why Argentina and not Italy, Spain, or Greece?
Argentina produces world-class olive oil, but with an advantage the Mediterranean cannot replicate: harvest timing. Our harvest takes place in May–June (Southern Hemisphere), while Italy and Spain harvest in October–November. When you buy Oligio in the NYC spring, it is fresh oil from the latest season. Mediterranean oils at that time are already 6–12 months old.
The Acequión Valley provides a dry climate, pure Andean meltwater, and mineral soil—ideal conditions to cultivate the Italian Coratina varietal under USDA Organic standards. Italy has tradition. Oligio combines tradition (400 years of Coratina history) + freshness + modern transparency.

How do I use Oligio? For cooking or only raw?
Oligio works perfectly for both, but it shines brightest as a finishing oil.

• BEST use (where you truly appreciate the complex flavor):A final drizzle over pasta, risotto, or soups.Salads and vinaigrettes.Over roasted vegetables, meat, or fish.Bruschetta, bread, and crostini.Hummus and dips.
• GOOD use (medium heat cooking):Sautéing vegetables and garlic.Searing proteins.Baking up to 180°C (350°F).
• Avoid:Frying at high temperatures (>200°C / 400°F).Deep-frying (use a refined oil instead; it is more economical).
  The compounds that provide flavor degrade under extreme heat. To fry potatoes, use another oil. To bring a dish to life, use Oligio.

B. ABOUT THE PURCHASE AND ORDERS

How much does Oligio cost?
We offer different options to best fit your consumption needs:

• Single Bottle: click here.
• Monthly Subscription: Get your bottle and save 11% OFF. Automatic monthly shipping.Cancelable after the third month.
• Bulk Purchase:2-bottle pack: 7% discount on the total.3 or more bottles pack: 12% discount on the total.

How can I place an order?
You can buy directly on oligiogourmet.com: choose your quantity or subscription model → checkout → done. We ship across the entire United States.

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay. All payments are processed securely.

Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?
You can request a modification or cancellation within the first 2 hours of purchase, provided the order has not yet been shipped. Please contact us as soon as possible via our contact form.

Where do you ship, and how long does it take?
We ship throughout the United States with the following delivery times:

• New York State (NY):Free Standard Shipping: 3–5 business days.Express Shipping: 24 hours.
• Rest of the USA: 5–7 business days.

Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, we offer shipping benefits based on your location:

• In New York State (NY): Standard shipping (3–5 days) is completely FREE. If you prefer 24-hour delivery, the cost is just $5.
• Rest of the USA: Shipping rates can be viewed at checkout.

Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order is shipped, you will receive an email with a tracking number to follow your delivery in real time.

What should I do if I receive a damaged or incorrect product?
Please contact us via the contact form, including photos of the received product and your order number. We will provide an immediate solution.

What if I don't like the oil?
If you are not completely satisfied with Oligio, you have 30 days to contact us for a full refund. No questions asked. We are confident that if you taste Oligio side by side with your current oil, you will notice the difference.

Can I buy Oligio in stores?
We are currently expanding into select retailers in New York. For now, the most reliable way to purchase it is directly at oligiogourmet.com.

C. ABOUT THE BRAND

What does "Roots of Flavor" mean?
"Roots of Flavor" is our philosophy. The roots represent the Italian heritage of the Coratina varietal (400 years of history), the deep connection to the terroir of the Acequión Valley, and artisanal production paired with modern technology. Real flavor comes from roots, not trends—it comes from the soil, the seasons, and doing things right. It doesn't come from packaging or marketing. At Oligio, every drop tells a true story.

How can I contact Oligio?
Through the contact form on oligiogourmet.com or by emailing our team at sales@oligiogourmet.com.