What is the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain? Let’s start at the beginning! Spain, besides being a world pioneer in the production of extra virgin olive oil (AOVE), is also internationally known for its gastronomy, in which the oil of our country stands as the jewel in the crown. As a result, the number of varieties and producers is almost countless and, obviously, for each of them their “liquid gold” is the best in the world. But how about we give you some clues on how to spot for yourself which one is the most acclaimed nationally? Let’s get to it!
Characteristics of the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain
To begin with, the first thing we must do is identify the valuable characteristics for establishing a ranking among national AOVE. But first of all, if you think we are going to dwell on the type of olive used to make it, you are mistaken. If we did that, we would be “manipulating your tastes”. That’s right: the type of olive directly influences flavour, nuances, aromas and even colour but, isn’t that something subjective?
This variable depends on people’s taste, not on the quality of the oil, so it cannot be used to establish which is good and which is not. It is therefore not an essential factor in the value of an oil. To define a “quality” AOVE, we must look at the moment the olive is harvested. Doing it at the optimal moment of ripeness means the resulting extra virgin olive oil keeps all its culinary and nutritional properties. An oil whose olives were harvested outside the hottest hours, before they fall to the ground (a sign that too much time has passed) or by selecting the best ones will give a unique juice and, as we define it, a premium one. On the other hand, the way the olive is pressed is also key. Doing it cold means its properties are not altered and, therefore, that it truly keeps the many benefits that extra virgin olive oil brings to our health and our gastronomy. Finally, an aspect we must take into account, in broad terms of course, since we are not trying to become experts but to learn to detect the quality of one AOVE or another, is the packaging. That’s right: packaging is essential, because preventing the temperature of the extra virgin olive oil from rising, preventing sunlight from falling directly on the juice, or even the characteristics of the container are essential for preserving the AOVE.
Where can you buy the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain?
Now that we have clarified a few basic guidelines for deciding which is the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain, let's focus on what matters: which is the best AOVE according to industry professionals? So far, we have shown you the basics for identifying what a quality AOVE should be like to begin with. But let's not kid ourselves: there is a web of factors and variables that only the most qualified can identify correctly. Visit the online shop There are many AOVE contests, competitions and conventions around the world. In each of them, a specialist jury decides, on the basis of several criteria, which are the best extra virgin olive oils of that edition. At the most recent Canada IOOC, held in that country, Aceites La Matilla won the silver medal for quality. At the 4th POP 2021 edition we won the gold medal, and at the London IOOC 2019 we won as many as 3 different awards. So, if we want to know where to buy the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain, the answer is as simple as it is obvious… online.
Aceites La Matilla: the best extra virgin olive oil in Spain
Source: India Martínez Instagram
Taking all of the above into account, it is clear that, depending on the contest or competition, the winner of the title of best national or international AOVE will vary according to the criteria of the jury present at that edition. For our part, every year we win different awards at the various events we take part in, whether for international quality, for design, or even the top award within a given category.
The best extra virgin olive oil in Spain, in Seville
For us, it is a true source of pride to have our roots in Andalusia. More precisely, we are in Seville, where we proudly carry our land as a flag wherever we go and where, despite what many people think, the Andalusian capital has the privilege of a climate and surroundings ideal for growing and producing AOVE.
