The main product and cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil is not only a condiment recognized for its numerous beneficial effects on health, but represents a true cultural and gastronomic heritage, a symbol of Italian tradition and craftsmanship. With the Guide Oli d'Italia dedicated to Italian extra virgin olive oils, now in its 14th edition and this year with the support of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the fifth in two languages, Italian and English, presented today at Sol&Agrifood in Verona, which takes place simultaneously with Vinitaly, Gambero Rosso draws a map that wants to celebrate the richness and diversity of the varieties of olives and oils present in our country, highlighting the peculiarities of each region, with the exception only of Valle d'Aosta and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and enhancing the stories of the producers who carry on with passion and dedication the thousand-year-old tradition of oil production: from the renowned Ligurian Taggiasca, to the robust Leccino, passing through the Frantoio and the vigorous Carboncella up to the Ogliarola, typical of the Bari area , Gargano and Salento.
“The world of extra virgin olive oil is complex and fascinating at the same time: each product has unique characteristics and our Guide aims to guide professionals and consumers in choosing the best product capable of satisfying different tastes and combinations” comments Stefano Polacchi, curator of the Guide. There are 389 producing companies for 679 extra virgin olive oil labels evaluated and included in the Guide, of which 191 are the Tre Foglie and 34 the Stelle, which have obtained the maximum score for ten years, the result of a long process of research, selection and evaluation to identify the most sublime taste but also recognizing a greater commitment to sustainability, in a global economy that competes on the lowest prices front. “Italy today finds itself competing with products of EU origin which favor quantity over quality and are able to charge lower selling prices. But the quality and long olive-growing tradition of our country must be recognized and enhanced by supporting, also through political interventions, our farmers, ambassadors of quality in the world" adds Polacchi.
“Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena joins Gambero Rosso to promote and develop the Italian agri-food sector” declares Maurizio Bai, Deputy General Commercial Director of Banca Mps. “Extra virgin olive oil is an emblem of the country's culture and agriculture. The collaboration for the 'Guida Oli d'Italia' demonstrates how our Bank is dedicated to supporting quality and rural districts. In fact, every day we support agri-food companies and the DOP Economy in their growth path, even at an international level, with a specialized offer oriented towards economic and environmental sustainability."
There are five price ranges considered, from oils priced under 10 euros to the most excellent products even over 30 euros per litre. The Guide also offers information on producers of table olives and companies that offer hospitality and catering in the countryside for complete and exhaustive information. The individual extra virgin olive oils were also evaluated for their aromatic profile, based on the intensity of fruity, bitter and spicy, useful for determining possible combinations with foods and ingredients.
