Ten superior South African extra virgin olive oils are in the running for top honours in the 2016 Absa Top 5 olive oil competition.
The contenders in alphabetical order are: Andante EVOO, Gabriëlskloof EVOO, Greenleaf EVOO, Kransfontein Coratina EVOO, Marbrin Olive Growers Directors Reserve EVOO, Marbrin Olive Growers Intense EVOO, Marbrin Olive Growers Medium EVOO, River Press EVOO, Spar Authentic EVOO and Willow Creek Directors’ Reserve EVOO.
In 2013 Absa and SA Olive partnered to introduce the Top 5 as an addition to the annual SA Olive Awards. The qualifiers for the Absa Top 5 are selected from the ranks of the highest-scoring SA Olive Awards medal winners by a team of revered tasters.
This year the esteemed judge’s panel comprised international olive oil maestro, Dr Antonio G Lauro and eight members of the SA Olive tasting panel: Leonard Arangies, Robert Claasens, Gerrie Duvenage, Reni Hildenbrand, Birgitta Hofmeyr, Benedetta Lami, Louise Rabie and Kelly White. Dr Lauro is an olive oil consultant, journalist and panel leader, an assessor of extra virgin olive oil quality since 1995 and a panel leader accredited by the International Olive Council (IOC).
The Absa Top 5 olive oils will be revealed at Tokara in Stellenbosch on 27 September. Guests will be treated to a tasting of the top 10 finalists followed by an unrivalled olive oil inspired culinary experience created by multi-award winning chef Richard Carstens.
For the final results of the Absa T0p 5, visit Olive Central
- Absa Top 10 Results - October 2, 2017
- SA Olive Awards 2017 Results - August 31, 2017
- Absa Top 5 Olive Oils Announced - September 28, 2016