A history stretching back thousands of years, transformed into extra virgin olive oil
The Los Castellares estate is situated in Carmona (Seville), one of the oldest towns in Europe, which has been inhabited continuously for over 5,000 years. It is a region where every layer of soil bears the mark of the civilisations that recognised, from very early on, the value of this exceptional land.
A meeting of cultures and the introduction of the olive tree
It was around the 8th century BC that the encounter between the Iberian Tartessian peoples and the Phoenicians transformed Carmona into one of the great metropolises of the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians, drawn by the exceptional fertility of the Guadalquivir valley, introduced and developed olive cultivation, establishing a tradition that has endured to this day.
The splendour of the Roman Empire
With the arrival of the Romans, Carmona experienced one of its most glorious periods. Julius Caesar described it in his work *De Bello Civile* as “the strongest city in the entire province of Baetica”. Carmona became one of the main olive oil-producing regions of the Roman Empire.
Such vast quantities of oil from Baetica reached the capital of the empire that the amphorae containing the oil had to be stacked to form the enormous Testaccio Hill, which to this day remains a historical testament to the thousands of amphorae bearing the ‘Carmo’ designation of origin – an eternal symbol of this region’s greatness in olive oil production.
The Visigothic and Muslim periods and the Reconquista
During the Visigothic kingdom, it remained a strategic stronghold and continued to be so under Muslim rule, when it came to be known as ‘Qarmuna’. Following the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba, it became an independent kingdom of great importance due to its agricultural significance in the region.
When Ferdinand III the Saint reconquered it in 1247, he was so struck by its beauty and strength that he proclaimed: “Just as the morning star shines at dawn, so does Carmona in Andalusia.” This motto now features on the town’s coat of arms.
La finca Los Castellares
Today, the olive trees of Los Castellares are living testaments to thousands of years of olive oil culture. Each tree holds the memory of time, and every harvest is the result of meticulous, respectful and passionate dedication to this magnificent land, which produces one of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world.
Where the heritage of a unique terroir blends with the craftsmanship and precision of centuries-old winemaking techniques.
Torres y Ribelles
Where the heritage of a unique terroir blends with the craftsmanship and precision of centuries-old winemaking techniques.
Right from the start, the care taken is meticulous:
The olives are pressed within a few hours of being harvested, thus preserving all their freshness and natural qualities.
The oil is extracted using a cold-pressing process, which is essential for preserving the oil’s aromas, flavours and health-promoting properties.
The oil then undergoes a delicate filtering process that removes the moisture and impurities inherent in the fruit
The resulting oil is stored in stainless steel tanks, protected from oxygen and kept at a constant temperature of 18 ºC.
Made-to-order production for various customers across five continents.
The Coupage and the Betis Brand
The extra virgin olive oils exported by Torres y Ribelles are the result of a careful blend of Arbequina, Picual and Hojiblanca varieties, combining the distinct attributes and characteristics of each. From this harmony comes the unmistakable and distinctive flavour of BETIS, a unique and instantly recognisable oil.