Ercole Olivario

The Ercole Olivario is a prestigious national competition dedicated to the best Italian extra virgin olive oils. Organized by the Italian Union of Chambers of Commerce, it’s considered a benchmark for Italian producers. The judging process is rigorous, with a panel of expert tasters conducting blind evaluations to assess each oil’s sensory attributes, including aroma, taste, and balance. The competition is divided into two main categories: “Extra Virgin” and “DOP/IGP Certified Extra Virgin,” with further subcategories based on fruitiness (light, medium, and intense). Winning an Ercole Olivario award is a significant recognition that highlights the excellence of Italian olive oil production.