The 29thErcole Olivario concluded with the traditional final event attended by the competition winners in Perugia, Umbria.
While the last edition’s award ceremony was restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s edition of the all-Italian olive oil quality competition once again featured some of the country’s best producers, who were able to meet and receive recognition for their quality work in person.
“Thanks to all the farmers who, with their commitment and determination, gave us, once again, great extra virgin olive oils,” said Giorgio Mencaroni, the president of the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria.
“Despite the particular situation, and thanks to the professionalism of the panel led by Alfredo Marasciulo, we managed to organize the tastings perfectly,” he added. “Everything went well, and we could plan this heartfelt event in the best way.”
See Also:Olive Oil CompetitionsSince 1993, the organizers of Ercole Olivario have brought producers from around the country together to celebrate the diversity of Italy’s olive oil culture, landscapes and traditional production.
With 110 participants, Ercole Olivario represents the final round of a series of selections carried out on a regional basis. Twelve extra virgin olive oils took part in the contest after winning Orii del Lazio (Golds of Lazio).
The tasting sessions for the 28th edition of the regional competition were carried out at the chemical laboratory of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome.
Out of six categories, producers from Puglia earned top marks in three: PDO/PGI medium fruity, light fruity and intense fruity. Meanwhile, producers from Lazio were awarded in the PDO/PGI light fruity and intense fruity categories. One Sardinian producer won for the medium fruity category.
After enjoying success in Lazio, Lucia Iannotta won first place at the national level in the PDO/PGI intense fruity category with her PDO Colline Pontine Itrana monovarietal.
“This is a historic competition, and we are very honored to be recognized for our quality,” the farmer from Sonnino said. “The last season yielded lower than average volumes, yet we were able to obtain a very good product. Since the Itrana variety is characterized by a strong alternation, now we expect a new abundant harvest.”
During the event, a tribute was paid to the late Giorgio Phellas, a beloved figure who played a leading role in the organization of Ercole Olivario.
A complete list of the 2021 Ercole Olivario winners may be found here.
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