Whoever visits Son Moragues for the first time will be immediately struck by the mosaics lovingly set into the walls along the forest path, and by the carefully layered dry stone walls, so typical of Mallorca. From the hillside beside the main house you can look over the estate with its ten thousand olive trees. The wood above the hill is criss-crossed by a network of ancient trails which are currently being restored as part of a programme of landscape conservation. Founded by the Moragues family in the fourteenth century, and home to such illustrious figures as Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, the finca has for centuries been at the heart of agricultural life in Valldemossa.
Following a period of decline, the more than 100-hectare estate is today continuing its farming tradition, and in addition to its famous olive oil it produces a wide range of fruit and vegetables and home-made preserves. Son Moragues is the only finca to produce 100 % of its olive oil from local Mallorquina green olives. It also grows Valldemossa tomatoes( Solanum lycopersicum), bitter Mallorquin oranges( Citrus aurantium Mallorquín), purple Mallorquin aubergines and green peppers( pebre rosprim).
Some ten years ago the new owners set themselves the heroic task of restoring the landscape and reviving traditional skills, as well as planting more than eighty varieties of indigenous fruits and vegetables that until then were seldom available to buy. They farm according to organic principles and in line with EU regulations, without the use of pesticides and with regard to the environment and the health of the consumer. Ever since, a team of twenty ecologists, farmers and cooks have been working to implement this. The finca’ s four hectare organic garden is laid out in terraces. Since the 17th century this has been enclosed by a high exterior wall that protects the flower beds. The water required for the farm comes from four natural springs and is fed through a system of channels. The olive trees that are between 500 and 800 years old are dusted with kaolin, a natural clay powder that protects them from insect damage. It is in this way that they can do without pesticides.
Harvesting in the autumn is still done by hand. The farm workers agitate the branches with sticks and nets placed under the trees catch the falling olives. Once the olives have been pressed, the label indicates the quality of the oil. It can only be called extra virgin if its acidity is less that 0.8 percent.
Part of the harvest is preserved in attractive glass jars with designer labels as a stylish amuse-gueule before a meal.
This‘ liquid gold’ is rich in nutrients and forms an essential part of healthy Mediterranean cuisine. When extracting the oil today, the olives are processed as quickly as possible after harvest in order to keep exposure to oxygen to a minimum. Son Moragues olive oil is made purely from green olives, which makes it a rarity of exceptional quality. The oil is sold in bottles hand-blown by Gordiola and should be kept cool and away from light. In order to get the maximum benefit from its nutrients and fully enjoy its fresh fruity flavour, olive oil of this quality should not be kept for too long. Son Moragues organic extra virgin olive oil is made from the Mallorquina variety and has 0.3 % acidity. Its particularly rich colour and fruity flavour marks it out from other oils. It is on sale in the gourmet section of El Corte Ingles department stores on Avinguda d’ Alexandre Rosselló and Jaume III, packaged in a wooden box made by hand on the estate.
From 2017 onwards, the finca in Valldemossa will be offering exclusive tastings for select groups. Under the expert guidance of Deborah Piña Zitrone, guests will be able to visit one of the most beautiful olive groves on the Island and learn all about the history and culture of olive oil in the Serra de Tramuntana. After a relaxing walk between gnarled old trees, guests can enjoy an educational olive oil tasting and try some of the finca’ s home-made preserves. This is our Deluxe tip for your next visit. For more information visit sonmoragues. com PhoToS: CourTeSy oF Son MoragueS | TeXT: Bung
The owners of Son Moragues regard their land and crops as a living system to be treated with sensitivity and respect.
DELUXE 43