A two part mini-series, that premiered on Channel 31, set across three countries, Italy, Greece and Australia.
This stunning series takes us to Apulia, Amalfi, Sicily, Lesvos, Peloponnese and Sydney, led by Italian-Australian, Mimmo Nucera.
Mimmo is well known as an occasional rock star as part of a band, CEO of Sandhurst Australia and a love of olives. His passion for Italy, Greece and olives comes through in this two part show, that will leave you yearning for this part of the Mediterranean and all of the produce that stem from the olive tree. The produce such as olive oil, olives of different varieties and health products bring workers, families and regions together, as you will see on the show.
We explore the fascinating history of olives stretching back to ancient times. The series takes a look at the nutritional elements, culinary delights, health benefits, religious uses and beauty products as well as commerce of olives, how they are farmed and then prepared for consumption.
The show
Mimmo can recite every point about olives for hours! Just have a coffee with him you will soon understand that olives are “his thing.”
Mimmo has been an olive fan since he was a boy, being introduced to the tastes of olives from an Italian family that was heavily involved in the local food industry.
Countless visits to Greece ensured that Mimmo remains a devotee of olives, and other products from Greece as well as his ancestral Italy.
Thanks to the vision of Mimmo, each episode is a multi-sensorial journey, introducing viewers to exquisite scenery and showcasing this ancient fruit’s myriad of applications.
Viewers will enjoy the engaging stories and insight into the world of olives in the second and third largest olive producing markets in the world. Very few series attempt to mesh countries, stories and produce the way we have. We all know that Italy and Greece have many similarities, with olives being just one facet where the countries overlap.
The show brings us a range of interesting human elements to the olive industry. From the brilliant history and analysis of Mr Bayiokos, Local Coordinator of the Olive Museum in Sparta, who gives us some serious insight into Olive production and history in the region, to the wonderful story of Lauren Birmingham Piscitelli. Laura fell in love with Italy on a visit when she was in school. She married an Italian and now delivers the fascinating Cooking Vacations concept in Italy.
Other highlights include how a business executive, Armando Balestrazzi, decided one day to buy a vast olive grove outside Brindisi, Apulia and has since developed an agritourism property that is open 365 days a year. Masseria Il Frantoio has a museum, olive picking and processing, restaurant, a pool and classic beetle VW that Mr Balestrazzi drives across the approximate 80 hectares of the property.
In the Peloponnese, the crew met a very hospitable and well-travelled educator, Dr. Tassos Anestis who owns Rhizoma Olive Farms near Kranidi, which has been in operation for three generations; and then spent time speaking to James Roubis who splits his time between Sydney and Vlahioti near Sparta, following one of his passions, producing olives. These two men are great examples of people who put their hearts and souls into producing olive oil and olives.
Throughout the two pilot episodes, An Olive Tale introduces viewers to Greek and Italian olive connoisseurs, growers and producers. Episode 1 demonstrates how olives are sourced in Greece and Italy and prepared and packaged specifically for the Australian market through companies such as Sandhurst Fine Foods.
It is hoped that after the success of My Greek Odyssey on Channel Seven, a network will similarly take a punt with An Olive Tale, as there are hundreds of stories to be told.
The show’s producers include documentary maker and author, Billy Cotsis, and Meraki Tv’s Ana Sevo.
Further information: 0419 245 372
