In 2014, Andrea Subelli bought an olive grove in the municipality of Tricarico, between the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane Park and the Mantenera State Forest. Andrea had been traveling across Italy on his motorbike, searching for a place to start over, when a small country road led him here. He saw the old grove, the forest, the view, and a sign that read Vendesi. He knew, right then.
The Majatica — Queen of the Grove
The Majatica is a native Lucanian olive cultivar tied to this land since the 6th century BC. The crown jewel of the grove is a certified 350-year-old Majatica tree, designated a “Patriarch of Lucania.” Standing in its shade, you feel its power.
The farm is a certified Slow Food Secular Olives Presidium — recognizing Mantenera for preserving indigenous cultivars of exceptional historical significance.
The Experience
The visit is a full day. You walk among ancient trees, learn about the cultivars and the importance of biodiversity, and taste freshly pressed extra virgin olive oil on artisan bread, paired with local Provolone Podolico cheese and Tricarico’s traditional salami.
The farm also offers a gourmet picnic in the shade of centuries-old trees, with views of the Piccole Dolomiti Lucane — Podolic cheeses, cured meats, focaccia, the bread of Matera, taralli, olives, and Aglianico del Vulture.
The Oil
Andrea goes to the frantoio at 3am so the olives are pressed before they heat up and lose their goodness. Even trees of the same variety produce a slightly different oil every year — proof that oil, like wine, is a living product. His oil doesn’t coat the tongue — it leaves brightness rather than heaviness.
The farm also produces Tis’Olivo, an olive leaf herbal tea inspired by an ancient southern remedy. Bright green with hints of cut grass.
The Silence
Andrea says that when his friends from Milan visit, they have trouble falling asleep because they aren’t used to so much quiet.
