April 24, 2025
Domaine Adonis’s Heritage: A Journey Through Time
The Adonis Estate, formerly known as ‘Ferme d'Auvergne,’ is a captivating testament to Tunisia’s rich agricultural history. Established in 1903 during the colonial era, this small, organic family-owned estate spans 100 hectares (250 acres) in the northwest of Tunisia. Nestled between Mjez el Bab and Testour at an elevation of 2,300 ft (700 meters), it reflects the enduring legacy of olive cultivation, with roots tracing back to Ancient Phoenician and Roman times, through the Byzantine and Arab periods, and into the Ottoman and Colonial eras.
The Rich Terroir of Domaine Adonis and Its Unique Flavors
Domaine Adonis, owned by Salah Ben Ayed, is a testament to his passion for olive oil and respect for nature. Since acquiring the estate in 2015, he has celebrated its distinctiveness, thanks to the unique combination of climate, varied soil types, and elevation, which creates a perfect environment for producing olives with original and nuanced flavors.
The estate is home to three local and unique cultivars: Chetoui, Chemléli, and Sayali.
- Chemléli produces a smooth, mild olive oil with sweet, fruity notes, hints of green almond, and a subtle bitterness.
- Chetoui offers a more robust oil with a green, grassy flavor, balanced by peppery and artichoke notes and a pronounced fruity aroma.
- Sayali a rare and distinctive variety, delivers a rich, fruity oil with layers of red fruit, mint, and basil, alongside sweet undertones of vanilla and floral aromas. Its complexity makes it stand out.
Domaine Adonis reflects the richness of Tunisia’s diverse landscape, capturing the essence of its unique terroir in every olive.
