In this paper, we describe variations among autochthonous olive cultivars from five different areas in Basilicata (Southern Italy) classified according to 33 chemical oil components and morphological traits. While all examined descriptors show no significant differences among cultivars, means and coefficients of variations have been highlighted. Principal component analysis has then been used to reduce the number of descriptors. Cultivars have been classified by cluster analysis into three groups. Following a discussion of cultivar group similarities, results suggest that an ‘a priori’ classification of cultivars according to growing area does not strictly correspond to phenotypic grouping. From the spatial distribution of cultivars, however, it has been possible to identify ‘superior’ genotypes in terms of olive oil composition.
