This competition, driven by the European project Soil O-Live and coordinated by the University of Jaén, jointly evaluates the sensory quality of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the biological health of the soil from which it originates. The third edition of the contest aims to highlight the connection between soil biodiversity and the production of high-quality EVOO.
Unlike other international contests, Soil O-Live incorporates an initial scientific evaluation phase that analyzes soil basal respiration, an indicator of its biological activity and biodiversity. Only oils from olive groves with the best results proceed to a blind tasting conducted by a specialized jury according to the standards of the International Olive Council.
The award-winning oil, which will be marketed under the brand Parqueoliva Serie Oro, was praised by the jury for its high aromatic intensity, with notes of green cover, tomato, and green almond, as well as a balanced bitterness and pungency reflecting its sensory complexity.
With this recognition, the DOP Priego de Córdoba adds another international award, reinforcing the prestige of its extra virgin olive oils and highlighting a production model based on quality and sustainability, aspects increasingly prominent in the leading olive oil sector competitions.
