Frequently asked questions — Frantoio Franci
What is Flos Olei and what does 100/100 mean?
Flos Olei is the world's most authoritative olive oil guide, published annually by Italian food journalist Marco Oreggia. It reviews over 500 producers from 57 countries and scores each on a scale of 100. A score of 100/100 — the absolute maximum — has been awarded to Frantoio Franci in the 2026 edition, making them one of only nine producers worldwide to have achieved this distinction and been inducted into the Flos Olei Hall of Fame. No other producer in the UK's olive oil retail market can claim an exclusive relationship with a Flos Olei 100/100 producer.
Where is Frantoio Franci located?
Frantoio Franci is based in Montenero d'Orcia in the Val d'Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape in southern Tuscany. The estate sits at altitude in the hills above the Orcia Valley, surrounded by olive groves of ancient Moraiolo, Frantoio, Leccino, Olivastra and Coratina trees. The Val d'Orcia's combination of clay soils, altitude and sharp temperature differences between day and night is considered one of the finest terroirs for premium olive oil production in Italy.
What does "grand cru" mean for Frantoio Franci olive oils?
Franci pioneered the concept of grand cru olive oil in Tuscany — the idea of naming individual oils after specific parcels of land, just as Burgundy wine estates name their vineyard plots. Each grand cru oil expresses the character of a distinct grove, variety and harvest year. The Villa Magra Grand Cru, for example, comes from a specific named parcel and is produced in limited numbered quantities that vary year by year. Like great wine, Franci's grand cru oils are collected and compared across vintages by serious olive oil enthusiasts worldwide.
What is the difference between the Franci oils?
Franci produces a range of oils that span from very delicate to exceptionally intense. At the most delicate end, the Maurino is a feather-light oil with subtle fruity notes — perfect for white fish and salads. The Olivastra Seggianese is more structured but still elegant. The Toscano IGP and Bio are balanced, versatile oils for everyday use. At the intense end, the Coratina and Villa Magra Grand Cru are among the most powerful Tuscan oils available — with high polyphenol content, pronounced bitterness and a long peppery finish that reflects the phenolic richness of early-harvest Tuscan olives.
Are Frantoio Franci oils organic?
The Franci Bio is certified organic. The rest of the Franci range follows sustainable farming practices but is not certified organic. All oils are produced without artificial fertilisers or pesticides at the estate level, but only the Bio carries the formal certification.
Where can I buy Frantoio Franci olive oil in the UK?
The Artisan Olive Oil Company is the exclusive UK importer of the full Frantoio Franci range. We stock their complete collection including the Villa Magra Grand Cru, Coratina, Moraiolo, Olivastra Seggianese, Maurino, Franci Bio and Toscano IGP. All are available for UK delivery from our London warehouse. Free delivery on orders over £70 to mainland UK.
How should I use Frantoio Franci olive oil?
Franci oils are best used as finishing oils — drizzled over dishes just before serving to preserve their complex aromatics. The intense oils (Coratina, Villa Magra Grand Cru) pair best with robust flavours: grilled meats, Tuscan bean soups, dark bitter greens, aged pecorino and strong cheeses. A classic pairing is Villa Magra Grand Cru drizzled over bistecca alla Fiorentina just off the grill. For a remarkable dessert pairing, try a few drops of Villa Magra over dark chocolate gelato — a combination celebrated by Italian chefs. The Maurino and Olivastra work beautifully with delicate dishes — fish crudo, burrata, caprese and light salads.
Are Frantoio Franci oils worth the price?
Franci's oils are priced at a premium relative to supermarket olive oil, and significantly above most online olive oil retailers. The price reflects the low yields of early harvest picking, the estate's own cold extraction mill, the hand-selection of olives, and the consistent achievement of the world's highest olive oil scores. They are not everyday cooking oils — they are finishing oils and collector's items for people who take olive oil seriously. If you have never tasted a 100/100 Flos Olei oil, the Villa Magra Grand Cru is the place to start.
