Olive Oil Favourites

A PASSION FOR EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

The health benefits of olive oil have long been extolled. This phenomenal product, known as ‘liquid gold’ among gourmets, is rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids which are known to greatly benefit heart health. Here in Spain we are fortunate indeed to be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a good extra-virgen olive oil. We present four of the best, produced locally, to savour at your leisure.

WORDS JAMES SINCLAIR

BELVIS DE LAS NAVAS The first gourmet ecological olive oil to be manufactured in the Sierra de las Nieves at Ojén, close to Marbella. The extra virgin oil produced is sensual and unique, coming from different types of wild Acebuchina olives that are harmonised with a diversity of other varieties, Hojiblanca, Manzanilla Aloreña, Zorzaleña and Verdial Vélez Málaga, only found in this enclave. i www.belvisdelasnavas.com

HACIENDA DE COLCHADO Ensconced in Antequera which is renowned for the quality of the olives grown in the region, Hacienda de Colchado dates back to 1679, becoming an olive mill in the 19th century. It’s multi-award winning olive oils and packaging make this a name to seek out. Mainly produced from the Hojiblanca variety, choose from the excellence of Legado, the balance of Experience, or the subtlety of Malaca Vetus. i www.haciendadecolchado.com

LA ORGANIC Located very close to Ronda and open for visits and tours is Spain’s most progressive and distinct olive oil production and Oleo Tourism facility – the LA Organic Experience. This extensive installation covers 25 hectares with 20 varieties of olives being ecologically cultivated. The magnificent Virgen Extra olive oil produced is also famous for the Philippe Starck bottles it is presented in. i www.laorganic.es

FINCA LA TORRE Finca La Torre also hails from Antequera and has been acclaimed as one of the best Extra Virgen Olive Oils in the world, achieving an impressive 100/100 rating at the prestigious Flos Olei Competition for its Hojiblanca extra-virgen olive oil, a feat previously achieved by only one other Spanish olive oil. Here in Marbella, you can enjoy it with freshly baked bread at the emblematic Boho Club. i www.fincalatorre.com