We have received new harvest olive oil from Greece and Spain. Also, we are happy to introduce to you a new brand in our olive oil collection: KYKLOPAS by the Kelidi family.
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Are you ready? Well, let's start!
1. Pour wine, pomegranate juice, and liqueur into a container, heating over medium heat.
2. Add chopped fruit, cinnamon sticks, a couple of grams of cloves, and basil to taste. If you love berries, remember that they will make the mulled wine more sour, and you’ll need more honey or sugar.
3. Once you notice the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes. Add honey or sugar to a cooling drink and leave the mulled wine to soak for 10-15 minutes.
And, in case you didn't know...
They say (of course, no historical facts) that the ancient Romans invented mulled wine. With this drink, the Roman soldiers were saved from the cold in their extremely severe (don’t laugh: they served not only in Italy) winters.
They heated the wine and warmed themselves with this drink in the cold season. Later, this tradition spread to the territories conquered by the Romans.
In the Middle Ages, people began to heat wine, herbs, and spices. Thus, mulled wine has turned into a more refined and delicate drink.
According to another (more plausible) version, mulled wine in ancient Rome was just wine with spices. This drink became hot much later, in the northern countries of Medieval Europe.
After some time, the popularity of mulled wine reached Sweden, where it was reinvented and received a new ingredient, without which it is now difficult to imagine: honey.
Moreover, in Sweden, mulled wine first became a Christmas drink and began to be sold in bottles with the image of Santa Claus.
And here is how Mulled Wine sounds in other European languages:
And here in Slovenia, we call it Kuhano vino.
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Slovenia is gearing up for the annual celebration of St. Martin's Day, also known as "Martinovanje," a cherished event that marks the arrival of winter and the blessing of new wine. The festivities, deeply rooted in Slovenian culture and tradition, are set to take place on November 11th, offering locals and visitors an opportunity to embrace the rich heritage of this charming European country.
St. Martin's Day, which falls on November 11th, is associated with the feast of Saint Martin of Tours, a patron saint celebrated for his acts of kindness and charity. The day is steeped in customs and rituals, bringing communities together to enjoy the fruits of the harvest and the young wine from the current year.
Martin of Tours was an officer in the Roman army although since childhood he dreamed of becoming a Christian priest.
Once upon a time in northern Gaul (France), there was an event that would profoundly shape Martin's destiny. On a cold winter morning, he met a half-naked, freezing beggar. Martin cut his warm military cloak in half and gave one half to the beggar.
The night after his act of charity, Martin had a vision that Christ came to him wearing the part of the cloak he had given to the beggar, saying: "What thou hast done for that poor man, thou hast done for me." Martin then left the military service to devote his life to Christianity.
Martin became a priest and was later appointed bishop of Tours. Even after accepting the position of bishop, he remained immensely humble. He did not move into the bishop's palace but lived with monks in humble cottages. Throughout his life, Martin was known for his dedication to the poor and his opposition to the worldly and luxurious clergy, which was moving further away from the example of Christ's humility.
Martin died on November 8, 397, near the city of Tours. His funeral was held on November 11, and this date is celebrated as his feast day. A chapel was built at his grave, and later, a basilica, which became a well-known pilgrimage site throughout the Middle Ages. Later, Martin's cloak became a French state relic, kept in the royal chapel of Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
By the way, did you know? The word "chapel" derives from the Latin word "cappella," which was originally used to describe a cloak or cape. Initially, this term was connected specifically with the cloak of St. Martin but over time it was applied to other small places of worship.
Blessing of the New Wine
One of the highlights of the celebration is the solemn blessing of the new wine by local priests. This ritual often takes place in picturesque vineyards or quaint wine cellars, symbolizing the importance of the region's winemaking culture. The newly blessed wine is then shared among attendees, fostering a sense of togetherness and gratitude.
Culinary Delights
Slovenian cuisine takes center stage during St. Martin's Day, with traditional dishes like roasted goose, sauerkraut, and mlinci (a type of flatbread) making their appearance on dining tables. The combination of savory flavors and the vibrant notes of new wine creates a delectable experience for the palate.
Lighting of Lanterns
As day turns into night, the celebrations take on a magical atmosphere with the lighting of lanterns. Children and adults alike participate in lantern processions, casting a warm and enchanting glow over the festivities.
Wine Barrel Tapping and Entertainment
In some regions, a large wine barrel is tapped, and the first glass of wine is poured ceremoniously for all to enjoy. Live music and dancing add to the festive ambiance, making it a day of joy, laughter, and cultural enrichment.
Saint Martin's Day is a time for the people of Slovenia to come together, celebrating the abundance of the harvest and the warmth of the community. It's a day to raise a glass of new wine, savor traditional Slovenian dishes, and embrace the spirit of generosity and togetherness.
As November 11th approaches, the anticipation for Saint Martin's Day in Slovenia is palpable. With traditions that date back centuries, the celebrations continue to evolve and thrive, reflecting the enduring charm and culture of this European nation.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this cherished celebration and experience the magic of Saint Martin's Day in Slovenia!
And of course, one of the most popular wines on this day will be Sveti Martin wines.
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Usually, when a product becomes very expensive or unavailable, we can replace it with another. This works in many cases, but not in this one.
Olive oil (real olive oil) is unique and irreplaceable, and of course, the last thing you need is to risk your health by consuming surrogates. Realizing this, we try to keep prices within the most affordable range.
In about a month we will know the exact prices for new harvest olive oil. And now, while we still have some stock of olive oil from the previous harvest, you can buy it at old prices, from 15,81€ per liter. ENJOY REAL OLIVE OIL!
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AEGAEA P.G.E. LESVOS, who in its first participation in the KOTINOS 2021
competition organized by FILAIOS managed to win a Silver Quality Award
in the category of Medium Tension P.O.P.-P.G.
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We'd like to share with you great news from Japan! Olive oil PROTOLEO received the Gold Quality Award at the JOOP International Competition in Tokyo.
]]>Olive oil Protoleo also gained an equally outstanding distinction for its creative work and aesthetics, as it received the 3rd Packaging Design Award among many participations from around the world.
Also, it's worth noting that this distinction is the 3rd consecutive in the above competition for the Protoulis company.
Finally, the good news about Protoleo doesn't stop there. Upon scientific appraisal of this olive oil, we can make a health claim that comes as a result of the very high antioxidant properties which have been found to be concentrated in the specific extra virgin olive oil.
Quality Characteristics of Olive Oil PROTOLEO
Awards:
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Of course, we knew that Vanja Duic presented his oil at the International competition OLIO NUOVO in France and we could have assumed that he would win, as he's done so many times, but who could have known that this would cause such consequences!
Here's what the media say about the event:
“The best olive oil in the northern hemisphere is Slovenian. So they decided in Paris at the prestigious competition Olio Nuovo, which chooses only among the world's top olive oil brands. It is an honor to be included in such a competition, and winning it is not only a recognition for the well-known Slovenian producer Vanja Dujc, but also an exceptional promotion for all Slovenian olive oils.
Vanja Dujc, a multiple winner in olive oil tests, has already been named 'professor', 'guru' and 'olive oil whisperer'. He is considered to be self-taught and producers of one of the best olive oils in Europe, which is extremely sought after and enjoys worldwide recognition”.
Unfortunately, not everyone was able to buy olive oil Vanja this morning. As the olive farm of Vanja Dujc is small and the quantity of his olive oil is always limited, we could not offer products that are not available in our storage. We have already contacted Vanja and scheduled our supplies, so we are ready to accept your new orders. Once again, our congratulations to Vanja Dujc and his team, and thanks to everyone who has shown interest in one of the greatest olive oils in the world.
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