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30/11/25

Savoring Life, One Drop at a Time: A Conversation with Luciano Antonio

By Isabella Marchetti, Culinary Features Editor at Epicurean Magazine

Last week, I had the chance to sit down with Luciano Antonio at his home in the quiet village of Tollesbury, Essex—a place that perfectly reflects his philosophy: calm, intentional, and full of understated refinement. At 28, Luciano has crafted a life that blends his Sicilian heritage with modern sensibilities, and it’s clear that every detail, from his surroundings to his work, carries that same care.

Over a glass of wine, Luciano shared the story behind Olivo Reserve, his artisanal olive oil brand, and it quickly became obvious that this is more than a product—it’s a reflection of his values, his roots, and his approach to life.

“I’ve always carried a deep connection to my Sicilian roots,” he told me. “I wanted to create something that truly reflected that part of me, a craft I could dedicate myself to. Over the last four years, with the support of a few trusted friends, we’ve brought Olivo Reserve to life—a brand that’s as much about identity and passion as it is about exceptional olive oil.”

Authenticity is at the heart of Olivo Reserve. Luciano explained that he wanted his oils to feel like something your nonna would have used for generations: timeless, genuine, and steeped in tradition. “Every bottle carries that essence,” he said, “blending heritage with a sense of refined modernity.”

But Olivo Reserve isn’t just about flavor—it’s about atmosphere. Luciano wants every interaction with the brand to transport people back to a time when indulgence and ritual mattered. “Moments of true enjoyment should feel intentional,” he told me. “This isn’t about mass production; it’s about creating a presence, a luxury that transforms ordinary meals into experiences that linger in memory.”

What struck me most was how much Luciano’s personal philosophy informs the brand. “I believe that the moments shared with friends and family are sacred and should never be rushed,” he said. “Life’s best experiences—laughing through a summer night, reconnecting with old friends, savoring a fine wine or cigar—deserve the best surroundings, the best quality. Olivo Reserve exists for those moments: it’s about enhancing life’s connections, making the ordinary feel extraordinary.”

Looking to the future, Luciano sees Olivo Reserve as just the beginning. “I want to continue creating products that elevate everyday experiences, that embody authenticity and luxury simultaneously,” he shared. “My vision is for the brand to grow while remaining personal—a symbol of tradition, refinement, and the art of truly living well.”

Sitting with Luciano, it’s easy to see that Olivo Reserve is more than a brand—it’s a philosophy, a lifestyle, and a reminder that true luxury comes from authenticity, shared moments, and attention to detail. In a world obsessed with speed and convenience, Luciano offers a pause, an invitation to savor life in its richest, most intentional form.

Sitting across from him, it was impossible not to notice the way he carried himself. In a sharply tailored suit, with glimpses of tattoos on his hands and face, and a subtle Cartier watch on his wrist, Luciano seemed effortlessly composed. The way he settled into the chair—calm, measured, and quietly commanding—brought to mind a young Michael Corleone, observing everything yet fully in control. There was a sense of authority and refinement in the room, a feeling that here was someone who approaches his craft with the same precision and care he brings to life itself. It was easy to imagine why, in the world of fine olive oils, Luciano might just be considered the godfather.

Whether you’re drizzling his olive oil over a fresh salad, using it to finish a roasted vegetable, or simply enjoying it as a centerpiece at the table, Olivo Reserve turns every moment into one worth remembering.

 

09/08/24

A Call Back to the Old Country: Tasting the Full Olivo Reserve Collection

By Lorenzo B. Caravaggio, International Culinary Critic

 

Every once in a very long while, a brand appears that feels less like a new entry into the culinary world and more like a memory resurfacing. Olivo Reserve is exactly that—rooted, patient, unmistakably intentional. Over the past week, I immersed myself in the entire lineup: The Standard Olivo Reserve, Olivo Blanca, The Old Country, and the crown jewel, Luciano’s Private Reserve. What became clear was that these oils weren’t designed to mimic tradition—they were created by someone who understands it.

 

The standard oil establishes the foundation: bright, clean, and beautifully tuned, the kind of everyday olive oil that quietly elevates anything it touches. Olivo Blanca softens the experience with gentle floral notes, a silky mouthfeel, and a finish so light it almost floats off the palate—perfect for those dishes that deserve subtlety over strength. The Old Country is its counterweight: bolder, deeper, and unapologetically rustic. It tastes like kitchens built from stone, sun-drenched courtyards, and handwritten recipes passed down through generations. And then there is Luciano’s Private Reserve, the brand’s ultra-premium expression—rich, golden, intensely layered. It carries the quiet confidence of something curated, not produced; discovered, not marketed. This oil doesn’t join the meal—it commands the moment.

 

But what impressed me most wasn’t the collection. It was the man behind it.

 

Luciano—formally Jack Luciano Antonio Pedli, though most will only ever know him through the signature on the bottle—is the rare founder whose presence is felt in the product even when his name isn’t front and centre. There is a clarity to his vision, a sense of heritage that doesn’t feel borrowed or performed. He speaks about olive oil the way some people speak about family history: with pride, precision, and a fierce respect for where things come from. And that spirit bleeds into every bottle. His work ethic is old-world; his standards, uncompromising. You can taste that—truly taste it—in the oils.

 

As for the future, it’s hard not to see something bigger forming. Olivo Reserve still stands in its early years, but it carries itself like a brand destined for longevity. With Luciano at the helm—steady, obsessive, unyieldingly faithful to authenticity—the trajectory is clear. This isn’t going to be a fleeting boutique label. It’s shaping into a legacy project, a modern archive of old-country flavour carried forward with new-world discipline. If this is the beginning, the next chapter won’t just honour tradition.

It will restore it.

07/02/22

Welcome to the Olivo Reserve Journal

A place where tradition, taste, and the vision of our founder come together to tell the story behind every bottle.

This is more than a blog — it’s the beating heart of Olivo Reserve.

Here, you’ll step into the groves, uncover the heritage behind our oils, and follow the craft from soil to table. We explore the culture, the history, the methods, and the philosophies that define true Mediterranean excellence.

From ancestral techniques to modern refinement… from tasting notes to behind-the-scenes stories… this is where the journey unfolds.

Every post invites you deeper into the world our founder built: one rooted in purity, precision, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. Whether you’re here to learn, to savour, or simply to appreciate the craft — welcome home.

The Olivo Reserve Journal — where legacy is written, one story at a time.