In a year affected by dramatically low olive oil yields, Rio Vista Olives has found gold in the lining, taking home the coveted Best in Show award in the 26th Australian Golden Olive Awards for their single variety Hardy’s Mammoth Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Celebrated for its exceptional quality and fruity complexity, this victory highlights Rio Vista Olive’s dedication to excellence even in the most challenging of seasons.
The judges tasting notes praised the oil as having: “Fresh, intense aromas of passionfruit, lime and lemon gelato, with hints of citrus, green and gold kiwi, and white pepper…a fabulous oil!”
“To have best in show go to a local South Australia variety is truly exciting” says Rio Vista Olives general manager Jared Bettio, “known for its complex fruity characteristics, Hardy’s Mammoth is showing it can stand up to the more green, grassy European style olive varieties.”
Alina Van from Sydney’s acclaimed Firepop says “When we do table-side dessert service and tell the guests about Hardy’s Mammoth olive oil, it really creates a special moment in their dining experience. Not only is it deliciously complex and layered with flavours of guava and passionfruit, but it’s also such a unique story and part of Australian history. We are lucky to be able to use such world class ingredients and so proud they are locally produced.”
“This year has been an incredibly difficult year for olive growers with dramatically low yields, so to be able to produce such a high-quality extra virgin olive oil gives us a positive that it is all worth it.” States Bettio
“We work along with many growers within South Australia from helping them with their grove management as well as advice from our in-house agronomist, we also provide a contracting service for pruning and harvesting groves. Our state-of-the-art processing facilities are there to help each grower get the best oil they can.” Continues Jared. “South Australia is known for creating some exceptional oils on a global scene, and we are proud to be part of that.”
The pool of awards recently won by Rio Vista Olives include 1 Platinum, 3 Gold medals, 8 Silver as well as Best In Show.