Our history
An oil mill at the heart of Beaujolais

An oil mill at the heart of Beaujolais
In 1981, Nedda and Dario Montegottero, Jean-Marc’s parents, bought an old ironmongery. In the back room, they found an oil mill dating back to the 19th century that had not been used for seven years. Aged 18, after studying to be an agricultural technician, Jean-Marc decided to bring the workshop back to life. It was time to make the dream a reality. Dario, who was a mechanic by trade, began renovating the equipment and the building. Next came the matter of learning the trade: Jean-Marc called on the services of Gustave Pascal, an oil producer from Isère, to show him the ropes.
In January 1982, Jean-Marc set up a local seasonal business that revolved around made-to-order sales: i.e. locals from Beaujolais would bring their fruit to the mill and leave with oil.
In October 1987, the trade became a permanent fixture and they began selling to the first French chefs. It would take five years of work and perseverance for the quality of these virgin oils to be recognised. In fact, around this time, France was much more interested in industrial agriculture and finding the cheapest cooking oil. Therefore, the Huilerie Beaujolaise turned its sights to Germany, which had a greater interest in natural virgin oils.
To offer an exceptional, authentic and healthy product that has been made using only the best artisanal methods.
On his travels, Jean-Marc loves discovering and tasting Mediterranean flavours so he can share them with us. That is how he was able to choose the highest quality raw ingredients; fine products that became part of the wide range on offer in our shop.
Nowadays, Jean-Marc Montegottero strives to combine tradition with modernity. The Huilerie Beaujolaise is constantly adapting and pulls out all the stops to meet the needs of its customers, while still keeping up with the latest trends and offering custom services.
Our expertise involves optimising traditional production methods while still maintaining their artisanal elements.
The Huilerie Beaujolaise produces completely natural virgin oils, each made using only one type of fruit. No mixing, nothing added, no preservatives, no chemicals: one fruit, one oil.
Our raw ingredients go through a rigorous selection process: dry fruit or oilseeds.
Mechanical grinding using a stone grinder or crusher.
Light, delicate heating to extract the flavours from the fruit.
Mechanical extraction using a hydraulic press (slow pressure for 3-5 hours).
Natural decanting for 3-4 days
The oil is filtered through blotting paper before it is bottled and labelled.
Once the oil has been extracted, the oilcakes* (which until recently were only used to feed livestock or used as fishing bait) need to be put to good use. These dehydrated oils, which are ground in a stone grinder and then sieved, can be used in many different ways.
In cooking, they are used for to make pasta, breadcrumbs, crumb coatings for meat or as a spice; for binding in charcuterie; and in baking for special types of breads.
One of their many uses in bakeries is in 100% fruit macaroon recipes, specially produced using hazelnut, pistachio, pecan, walnut or pine nut powder...
Bringing together various skillsets, our team has one aim: customer satisfaction.
Founder
Here to help in the shop
Accountant
Here to help in the shop
Secretary
Production and packaging
Production and packaging
Production and packaging
Packaging and delivery manager
Here to help in the shop
Communication supervisor and export assistant
The Huilerie Beaujolaise successfully won over big names in gastronomy.
Ever since, Jean-Marc Montegottero has known just how to win over big names in gastronomy. Famous faces in the sphere of French and international cuisine, from the Relais Château, now use his oils and vinegars.
Chefs are our greatest ambassadors and they helped make it possible for Jean-Marc to export his virgin oils throughout the world, in Germany, UK, Belgium, South Korea, Spain, Estonia, USA, Holland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Canada, Switzerland.
The Huilerie Beaujolaise also offers professionals exclusive, made-to-measure, custom products.