Five De Medici Imports Olive Oils Win Gold at the New York International Olive Oil Competition 2021

At the ninth annual New York International Olive Oil Competition (NYIOOC) in May, the world’s largest olive oil quality contest, five extra-virgin olive oils from De Medici Imports won Gold awards. Olive oil producers from 28 countries submitted 1,159 oils to the competition. This year, an international team of experts analyzed each entry remotely from 13 countries.

The winners included Badia A Coltibuono Albereto Unfiltered IGP Toscano Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Produced by Badia a Coltibuono, this extraordinarily rich, full-flavored artisan oil is crafted in limited quantities from the highest groves on the Coltibuono estate from several varieties of 100% organic olives principally Frantoio, Pendolino and Leccino de Corno, with smaller amounts of Maurino. It has a deep emerald hue and is left deliberately unfiltered to achieve full expression of the oil’s aroma and flavor. It also received a Gold award in 2017.

After winning Gold in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, Marqués De Griñôn “Oleum Artis” Extra Virgin Olive Oil scored another top prize this year. From the Falco family farm near Toledo, Spain, this extra-virgin olive oil has a gleaming golden hue with exceptionally vivid and intense aromas. The oil is made predominantly from Picual olives and is custom blended with Arbequina and Cornicabra olives before being processed within two hours of being harvested for ultimate freshness.

Melchiorri L'Intenditore Extra Virgin Olive Oil was awarded Gold, after receiving Silver in last year’s contest. Made from 100% Moraiolo Olives, it has a medium-mild pungency with floral, almond and fresh grass notes and a light bitterness with a slightly spicy peppery finish. Located in the heart of Umbria, Melchiorri Gianfranco has been crafting olive oil for more than 50 years. The producer’s Melchiorri Frutto Dell’olivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil also won Gold this year, after a Silver in 2019. Made from 50% Frantoio olives, 25% Moraiolo olives, 25% Leccino olives, this medium-robust, fruity oil has spicy notes of warm cinnamon.

Last but not least, a Gold award went to Mandranova Nocellara, which won a Gold in 2018 and Silver awards in 2019 and 2020. This green oil with golden hues is intensely fruity with hints of fresh grass, artichoke and tomato. An Italian monocultivar of the Nocellara del Belice variety, it harmonizes its bitter and spicy characteristics perfectly.