Minuscule output, world-class oil — Slovenia’s sliver of Istrian coast punches far above its weight.
Few people picture Slovenia as olive country, yet its short stretch of Istrian coast, around Koper and Piran, presses some of the most awarded extra virgin in the world. Its champion is the native Istrska Belica — an intense, green, bitter-peppery oil exceptionally high in the polyphenols that mean both health and long life.
Slovenian olive oil is a true connoisseur’s find: made in tiny quantities, at very high quality, and priced for it. It shares its Istrian peninsula — and much of its olive heritage — with neighbouring Croatia and a corner of Italy. The Slovenian olives we’ve covered so far are below.