Le Ferre Materico Extra Virgin Olive Oil — Limited Edition Hand-Painted Ceramic Bottle

Le Ferre Materico extra virgin olive oil is where the craft of the Italian table meets the art of the Italian artisan. Produced by Le Ferre in Apulia — one of Italy's most celebrated olive-growing regions — this exceptional oil arrives in a limited edition ceramic bottle, entirely handcrafted and hand-painted in six vibrant colour combinations. No two bottles are identical. When the collection sells out, it is gone.

Available in 250ml and 500ml, and in a choice of colours, Materico is as much a statement piece for the kitchen as it is a pleasure to cook with. Whether offered as a gift or kept for yourself, it brings a touch of southern Italian artistry to the table.

The Bottle — A Piece of Puglia

The Materico ceramic bottle is the result of a collaboration between craftspeople of southern Italy, each contributing their skill to pay tribute to their homeland. Textured, brightly coloured and entirely handmade on the lathe before being painted by hand, the bottle takes its name from the Italian word for "material" — a nod to its tactile, sculpted quality. Any slight variation in finish is not a flaw but a signature: the mark of something genuinely made by hand.

The tradition of decorative ceramic vessels in Apulia stretches back to ancient times. The region is rich in red clay, and artisans trained in traditional hand-crafting methods remain very much part of its living culture. Each Materico bottle is an expression of that heritage, adapted with a touch of contemporary colour and vibrancy.

Similarly to dark glass, the opaque ceramic naturally shields the oil from light — one of the primary causes of flavour deterioration — so the beautiful packaging serves a very practical purpose too.

The Oil Inside

The oil in the Materico bottle is a blend of four classic Puglian olive varieties — Leccino, Ogliarola, Frantoio and Coratina — each selected from Le Ferre's groves in Castellaneta, Taranto, at 230 to 290 metres above sea level. The olives are harvested mechanically and cold extracted to preserve every nuance of flavour. The oil is then stored under food-grade nitrogen in stainless steel silos until bottling — a rigorous process that protects its freshness from grove to table.

The result is an oil of real balance and character. On the nose, it is gently fruity with notes of almond and fresh herbs. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious interplay of mild bitterness and a lingering peppery finish — present but never aggressive, and versatile enough for both cooking and finishing.

Culinary Uses

• Drizzled over bruschetta, grilled vegetables and salads
• Finishing soups, legume dishes and hearty pasta
• As a dipping oil with quality artisan bread
• Cooking base for sautéed dishes and Mediterranean sauces
• A standout centrepiece on a cheese or antipasti board

For a true taste of Puglia, try it simply — generous over ripe tomatoes, cannellini beans and torn bread. The oil's gentle fruitiness and quiet pepper do all the work.

A Gift Worth Giving

Materico is one of the most distinctive olive oil gifts available — a product that surprises at first glance and delivers at the table. It suits birthdays, dinner party host gifts, Christmas, corporate gifting, and any occasion where something genuinely different is called for. The limited edition nature of the collection means that once a colour or size sells out, it will not be restocked.

Le Ferre products are vegan certified and non-GMO.

Ingredients

100% extra virgin olive oil — blend of Leccino, Ogliarola, Frantoio and Coratina olives, Apulia, Italy. No allergens. Cold extracted.

Storage

Store in a cool, dark place away from heat sources. Close firmly after each use. At low temperatures the oil may partially solidify — this is entirely natural and reverses at room temperature with no loss of quality.

Recommendations

Explore more exceptional Italian oils in our Italian Olive Oil Collection.
Pair with a premium condiment from our Balsamic Vinegar Collection for a truly memorable gift combination.