Our story
Roccaforte — A long love story
Our oil comes from a passion for nature and full respect for the environment.
01
From 1952 to today
-
1952
The story of RoccaforteBio began in the second half of the 20th century, when our great-grandfather, Don Ciccio Marchese, bought the first plots of land in Piazza Armerina, in the Gallinica district.
-
1956
In the warm Sicilian wind, Don Ciccio began growing wheat and planted the first seventy olive trees, enough to meet the family's needs.
-
1960
Over the years, a love for the land turned into daily work, built on passion and dedication.
-
1997
In 1997, grandmother Rosa Marchese expanded the olive grove with about 1,500 new trees, mostly of native varieties.
-
2006
In 2006, driven by our aunt Sabrina and supported by her siblings Patrizio and Marina Roccaforte, the business was organised more efficiently and took the name Azienda Agricola Marchese.
-
2006
From then on the business became more competitive, and production, conventional until then, became organic.
“Don Ciccio”, an extra virgin olive oil of excellent quality, was launched on the market.
-
2017
Determined to carry on the long family tradition, in 2017 we founded RoccaforteBio, an agricultural partnership: the Marchese farm tripled in size and production diversified with the addition of prickly pears, almonds, carobs and pistachios.
-
2020
In 2020, when we bought a new plot of land, we came across an old vineyard and decided to look after it, preserving its historic vines and a tradition at risk of being lost.
This is how our first wine came about, initially for the family: a genuine wine, the result of growing methods that respect nature and of winemaking that rediscovers the gestures and flavours of the past.
A new chapter that enriches our story and expresses our passion for the land in all its forms.
-
TODAY
Passion for nature and respect for the environment and for tradition are the values of our family.
For four generations, experience and innovation have been what holds it together and helps it grow.
02
The Greek myth
According to a myth widespread in Greece, Athena gave life to the first olive tree, which rose on the Acropolis to protect the city of Athens.
Legend has it that Poseidon and Athena, contending for sovereignty over Attica, challenged each other before the Tribunal of the Gods, each offering a gift.
With a blow of his trident, Poseidon brought forth a swift and powerful horse, able to win every battle; Athena, instead, struck the ground with her spear and brought forth the first olive tree, to light the night, heal wounds and feed the people.
Zeus chose the more peaceful invention, and Athena became the goddess of Athens.
Don Ciccio, our first oil
In 2006 the company's first oil was named after our great-grandfather, Don Ciccio Marchese.
Today, alongside Don Ciccio, we produce Il Tondo, Millefiori, Verde Amaro and Dolium.