Our Best Olive Oil Brands from Europe
Olive oil has been a Mediterranean staple for ages, and it's not challenging to see why. It adds such a depth of flavour and aroma to dishes, plus it has some impressive health benefits. Did you know that the monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers? And that's not all – its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content helps protect our cells from damage.
Lately, olive oil competitions have become increasingly popular, with judges worldwide gathering to taste and evaluate the best olive oils. Here, we will look at 15 of the best olive oil brands in Europe that have won competitions as the best ones in their category. Here are some of the best olive oil in the world in 2023.
Harvest By Night
A short distance from Perugia, the 1st century B.C. Castello di Monte Vibiano guards the estate's Lorenzo vineyard jealously. With a history dating back to 217 B.C., it boasts 55 hectares of ancient olive groves with trees over a millennium old. Love for Mother Nature, combined with an innovative vision that has always been in the family's DNA, has led to the development of a revolutionary agricultural management system known as sustainability today. Maria Camilla and Lorenzo Fasola Bologna inherited and further strengthened the values of Castello Monte Vibiano from their late father, Dr. Andrea. Oil of extraordinary quality can exclusively be produced by pressing the best olives after sunset. During the night, the low temperatures allow optimal conservation of the olives and ensure that the organoleptic properties are preserved at their peak. Only the best olive oil in the world can boast of such an exaltation of taste and aroma. Furthermore, Harvest by Night contains a staggering quantity of polyphenols, 800 mg per kg of oil, reflecting its high nutritional value due to an early harvest and extremely controlled temperatures during production.
Miceli & Sensat Sicilian Olive Oil
The company, founded by Paolo Miceli and Sergio Sensat, has been passionate about olive oil for several generations. This oil from Sicily, Italy, is made from 100% Nocellara del Belice olives and has won multiple awards for its delicate flavour. It pairs well with various dishes.
Oro Bailen Reserva Familiar Picual
A brick-making family in 2002, the Gálvez-González family saw a small gap in the extra virgin olive oil market in which a new line of high-quality oils could be developed, which included not only the idea of producing a different product but also a new way of understanding this olive juice. Which has been part of Mediterranean culture for centuries and is an icon of our cuisine today. This Spanish oil is made from the Picual olive and is known for its intense, complex flavour profile, with notes of green tomato, almond, and artichoke. This Olive oil has a complex, intense flavour profile that is perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
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Argilos Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil For Bread Dipping
The Greek company Agriston Simple Member LTD makes Argilos Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Chalkidiki olive variety. This olive oil won a Gold Award at the 2021 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition. It is made from Among the three types of olives used in production, from Chalkidiki, Megaritiki and Koroneiki. And has a vanilla, slightly peppery taste with a hint of green almond. A high-quality taste which pairs well with various dishes. In terms of quality, they are among the best in Greece.
Oro Del Desierto Olive Oil – Best Olive Oil For Cooking
The family-owned and operated company, Oro del Desierto, is in Tabernas (Almeria). Combining the climate conditions, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine per year and without extreme thermal changes, and taking extra care during the entire cold extraction process, they can produce 100% Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil with all its delicate characteristics and nuances of taste. Quality and consistency have been essential to the family throughout the generations; quality is recognized and awarded worldwide. It is made in Andalusia with organic Arbequina, Hojiblanca and Picual varieties. A medium-intensity, well-balanced, exceptionally high-quality olive oil. A versatile taste—it can be used for cooking or finishing dishes.
Pamako Mountain Bio – Best Olive Oil Extra Virgin
PAMAKO is the brainchild of a young entrepreneur, Eftihis Androulakis, an ardent Cretan who built on his family tradition. Thanks to the support from his family and partner, Dorothea Ritter, he has continued the business for generations. By combining tradition with cutting-edge technology, they produce olive oil of the highest quality and taste. They combine traditional organic cultivation and processing methods with the newest technology to deliver premium extra virgin olive oil. Made from Greek Tsounati olives, it has a fruity aroma and strong spicy elements with a hint of bitterness. It can be used for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over grilled vegetables.
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Frantoio Franci Villa Magra Gran Cru – Best Italian Olive Oil
A small hilltop town on the slopes of the Amiata Mountain, overlooking the splendid valley of the River Orcia, Frantoio Franci was founded in 1958. In that year, Franco and Fernando Franci acquired the famed Villa Magra olive grove and turned the old barn into an oil mill. A turning point was reached in the history of the family business in 1995, when Fernando and his son Giorgio began working together, bringing a new lease of energy and their modern business skills to the family firm. Hailing from Tuscany, Italy, this oil is made from a blend of Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino olives and has a robust, peppery flavour with hints of green apple and grass. A robust, peppery flavour that can add depth and complexity to any dish.
Castillo de Canena Family Reserve Picual
As olive oil producers with more than two centuries of experience, and a commitment to innovation, quality and excellence, they have become world leaders in premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil production. The sibling Rosa and Francisco Vañó decided to change careers in 2003 and began transforming the family's olive grove production and olive oil manufacturing enterprise into a new Castillo de Canena. This modern company aims to create a high-end EVOO with a spirit of innovation. This Spanish oil is made from hand-picked Picual olives and has a well-balanced flavour with notes of green almond, tomato, and artichoke. A well-balanced flavour that can complement various dishes.
TORRETTA DOP Colline Salernitane Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Since 1960, Frantoio Torretta has been spreading an ancient art in Italy that the Provenza family has practised for generations. Producing one of the best Italian oils takes passion and professionalism. The combination of tradition and innovation ensures excellent quality. The Turretta oil mill is located in the vast province of Salerno, on the hilly terrain that stretches from Battipaglia to Montecorvino Rovella to Serre and Eboli. This Italian oil from Campania is made from a blend of Ravece, Frantoio, and Rotondella olives and has a slightly bitter taste with hints of green apple and grass. It has a slightly bitter taste with hints of green apple and grass, making it perfect for drizzling over salads or roasted vegetables.
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Melgarejo Hojiblanca
Melgarejo olive oil production dates back to the 18th century, when good work, innovation, and daily field observation laid the foundations for a meticulous way of producing oil.
Five generations have carried out this activity in the Melgarejo genealogical tree until the present day. As a result of the combination of tradition and innovation, the incorporation of new varieties of olive oil produced in Jaén, and the high demand that has driven the last Melgarejo generation, solid growth has been achieved. “Five generations of olive oil lovers” This Spanish oil is made from Hojiblanca olives and has a fruity, smooth flavour with hints of banana and apple. A fruity, smooth taste that is perfect for dressings or marinades.
Caixeiro
The ancestral traditions and know-how passed down from generation to generation date back more than 100 years. As they combine family knowledge with modern technology, they produce their olive oils in a careful and environmentally friendly manner. A unique place, in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal, in the parish of Santa Maria de Émeres, municipality of Valpaços, in a privileged geographical position between Terra-Fria and Terra-Cente, with a perfect geographical location for olive oil production, which is reflected in the natural quality and unique characteristics of its olive oils. This Olive Oil is made from the finest and greenest fruits from their groves and is cold-pressed daily.
Azienda Agricola De Carlo Organic
A secular family history and lands cultivated according to ancient traditions are the foundations of De Carlo oil. It has been in the capable hands of Saverio and Grazia De Carlo since 1980, now joined by Marina and Francesco, as well as their son-in-law Arturo. Younger generations are passionate about olive trees and their products, promoting a business model based on short chains and zero-impact production that harmonizes with nature. The dominant features of the area include the olive trees, the dry walls, the scarlet-red coloured soil, and the whiter-than-white stone. Especially in the northern region of Bari, the favourable climate has always contributed to the wholesomeness and genuineness of the oil. The olive oil gives off the scent of a unique soil thanks to its balanced, harmonious flavour of almonds. This Italian oil from Puglia is made from a blend of Ogliarola and Coratina olives and has a fruity, balanced taste with a slight bitterness. It has a fruity, balanced flavour with a subtle bitterness, making it a versatile oil for cooking or finishing dishes.
Monini
The Monini family has produced extra virgin olive oil for over 100 years in Spoleto, Umbria. With three generations of experience, the Company produces high-quality extra virgin olive oil that is well-known and highly regarded in Italy and beyond, carefully selecting the best production areas in Italy and Southern Europe. The Frantoio del Poggiolo olive press is a centre for the experimentation, production, and pressing of olive oil. Consistency and care yield the outstanding product that has always been Monini's trademark. Zefferino and Maria Flora Monini are driven by tradition, passion for quality, and a commitment to the future. Hailing from Umbria, Italy, this oil is made from a blend of Moraiolo, Leccino, and Frantoio olives and has a fruity, well-rounded flavour with a slight bitterness. A great oil for drizzling over grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Almenara
In the mid-19th century, Almenara was founded over five generations ago. Much effort has been put into growing olive trees and improving harvesting, treatment, and transportation of fruit to the mill. Current Aceites Almenara President José Mara Vara represents these five generations. Family dedication, determination, and passion for olives and oil are evident in these generations. Cuenca's rough and demanding lands and the Sierra Jarameña's harsh climate provide a perfect framework for our olive trees. It is an ideal environment for olive trees, ideal for oil production and wonderful for getting closer to nature and culture. The extra virgin olive oil is fruity and high in intensity. It has hints of ripe olives and a fruity taste of green olives. The palate offers notes of artichoke leaves, green grass, and olive leaves.
O Med Arbequina
Arbequina Cooperative has been around for more than a century. The Independent Center and Republican Union were founded in 1913, indirectly leading to the creation of two agricultural unions in 1919: the Arbeca Nueva and Oliva Arbequina. As the Cooperative's president, Jaume Gotsens Pau leads the governing council of 10 members. This Spanish oil is made from Arbequina olives and has a delicate, fruity flavour with a slight nuttiness.
Our 15 Best Olive Oil Brands in Europe
These 15 olive oils are the best in Europe, having won awards and competitions for their exceptional flavour and quality. Not only do they taste delicious, but they are also incredibly healthy, with various beneficial compounds and nutrients. Incorporating these best olive oils into your cooking is a surefire way to elevate any dish and take it to the next level. Whether you prefer fruity, peppery, or buttery flavours, an olive oil on this list is sure to satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead and indulge in the best olive oils that Europe has to offer, and enjoy the health benefits that come with them.
Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Editorial Team
