Hidden Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil Scoops Silver Award!

The Hidden Valley Cold Extracted Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) was awarded Silver for the 3d year in a row, at a gala dinner held by the SA Olive Industry Association on Thursday, 1 September. A total of 36 extra virgin olive oils of the 2016 harvest were lauded as South Africa’s finest!

A team of professional tasters meticulously scrutinized the medal contenders one-by-one according to quality, complexity and balance in terms of aroma and taste during a four-day blind tasting.

The esteemed judging panel comprised internationally accredited olive oil tasting panel leader and consultant, Dr Antonio G Lauro from Italy, and members of the SA Olive tasting panel: Leonard Arangies, Robert Claasens, Gerrie Duvenage, Reni Hildenbrand, Birgitta Hofmeyr, Benedetta Lami, Louise Rabie and Kelly White.

Hidden Valley’s EVOO is made from a blend of various cultivars, including Leccino, Mission Frantoio and Caratina. The olives are harvested 60% green and 40% ripe, resulting in medium intense oil. Flavours of fresh cut grass, green tomatoes and artichokes are present. A nutty, almond taste contributes additional complexity. Finally a spicy, pepper aftertaste promotes the intensity of the oil. 

The versatility of olives and their products led to the planting of over 2,500 trees on Hidden Valley. The fertile soils on Hidden Valley make a perfect home for these trees and they grow vigorously.

A fusion of table and oil varieties now makes up the beautiful silver textured environment around the impressive stonewalls of the wine cellar.

The olive processing at Hidden Valley includes oil (approximately 70%) and table olives (approximately 30%) of very high quality - the Nocellara Del Belice (green) olives originated from Sicily and are widely regarded as the best green table olive in Italy. They have a crisp, firm and chewy texture with a creamy, nutty taste. The Calamata (black) olives are possibly the best known and sought after black table olive cultivar in the world and were chosen for texture and flavour. This fleshy olive has a distinctive flavor and meaty texture. These olives can be used for table olives and olive oil.