Rio Largo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2022 Harvest

Welcome to Rio Largo Olive Estate, home to some of the finest extra virgin olive oil in South Africa. Located in the Breede Valley, our olive groves are home to 18,000 trees made up of various cultivars; Frantoio, Leccino, Coratina, and FS-17. These cultivars are all originally from Italy and are known for their ability to complement each other in creating delicious, well-balanced olive oil.

At Rio Largo, we take great care in the production of our olive oil. We understand that the quality of the oil is determined by the quality of the olives, which is why we pay special attention to the ripeness of our fruit. The cultivars that we grow ripen at different times, which allows us to handpick the olives at their optimal ripeness rather than having to harvest some unripe and some overripe. This ensures that our olive oil is made from the freshest and highest quality fruit.

In addition to handpicking the olives, we also use state-of-the-art equipment to cold press them within hours of harvesting. This helps to retain the natural flavors and aromas of the olives, resulting in a pure and unadulterated olive oil. We then bottle our oil in dark glass to protect it from light and oxygen, which can cause it to degrade. This helps to ensure that our oil stays fresh and retains its quality.

But don't just take our word for it - our olive oil has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2022 New York International Olive Oil Competition and BEST MEDIUM BLEND – Flos Olei Italy 2023. This prestigious competition is known for its rigorous standards, and we are proud to have our oil recognized by industry experts.

So why choose Rio Largo Olive Oil? Here are just a few reasons:

• Quality: Our olive oil is made from the freshest and highest quality olives, which are handpicked at their optimal ripeness and cold pressed within hours of harvesting. This results in a pure and unadulterated oil that is bursting with flavor and aroma.

• Sustainability: We are committed to sustainable farming practices and are constantly striving to improve our environmental impact. Our olive groves are irrigated using grey water and we use organic fertilizers to nourish the soil. We also have a recycling program in place to reduce waste.

• Taste: Our olive oil is well-balanced and has a delightful taste. It is perfect for adding flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads and marinades to pasta and roasted vegetables.

• Versatility: Our olive oil is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of cooking applications. It is great for sautéing, roasting, grilling, and more. It is also perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over finished dishes.

So why wait? Experience the delicious taste and quality of Rio Largo Olive Oil today!

2022/2023 Harvest Awards

• GOLD – New York International Olive Oil Competition 2022
• GOLD – Olive Oil Japan 2022
• GOLD – Amsterdam Competition 2022
• GOLD – Aurora International Taste Challenge 2022
• GOLD – SA Olive Awards 2022
• ABSA TOP TEN – South Africa 2022
• 98/100 – Flos Olei Italy 2023
• BEST MEDIUM BLEND – Flos Olei Italy 2023
• BEST PACKAGING – Dubai Olive Oil Competition 2022