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History of the Olive Oil Mill | Processing |
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The olive oil mill, set in a traditional provençal Mas (farmhouse) is located just outside Fontvieille, a picturesque Provençal village very close to Les Baux de Provence at the foothills of the Alpilles. In this setting, several generations of the SOURDON family have been crushing locally harvested olives to produce from November to December an olive oil meriting the label of quality AOC Valley des Baux de Provence. Jean-Paul SOURDON, whose grand-father was already an olive-miller created his very own olive oil mill in 1998 in his 12th century Mas. Assisted by his wife and two daughters, he has carried on this family tradition. The Sourdon family, inspired by their love of the olive tree and its cultivation and their passion for the art of blending the four cultivars that make up the AOC Vallée des Baux de Provence has been able to keep alive this ancestral know-how. The olive oil mill stands close to a little 10th century chapel overlooking the vale of Vallon de la Lèque in the middle of an estate which extends to 25 hectares of olive trees, all producing the special varieties of olives that make up the AOC Valley des Baux de Provence. The oil produced at Moulin Saint Jean is a top quality olive oil classed as Extra Virgin. The new oil known as Nouvelle (released within three months of crushing the olives) is a dizzying taste experience due to its extraordinary freshness. Over the next few days and weeks it matures and develops the very much sought-after aromas of almond, hazelnut and artichoke. Ours is a small scale production which reflects the true cost of labour and the deliberately low productivity that we have set ourselves to ensure this nectar remains impeccable. |
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Come and sample our extra virgin oil renowned for its faultless colour, fragrance and taste and visit (pre-booking required) the oil-mill and its olive groves. |
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