It’s official – one of the tiniest olives has taken out a big prize! Rio Vista Olives’ single variety Koroneiki has been named South Australia’s Best Extra Virgin Olive Oil in show at the Royal Adelaide Olive Awards, cementing the family-owned grove’s reputation as one of the nation’s most premium producers. Known for its fruity and bold flavour, this little Greek olive has packed a mighty punch, earning Rio Vista Olives the crown for excellence in South Australian olive oil.
The judges described the multi-award-winning oil as: “Fresh intense aromas of cut grass, rocket, green beans, orange blossom, spice, green tea and nettle. Great transfer to palate with extra green banana, red apple and bitter salad leaves. Light and fresh mouthfeel. Harmonious bitterness and green pepper with lingering jalapeno chilli and chocolate warmth that lingers. Very good oil with strong finish.”
“We are always very proud of our Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and this year it has really shone in its complexity and depth of aroma and flavour.” says Rio Vista Olives manager Leon Bettio, “It was an early harvest and so the wonderful grassiness has really come to fore, but still pairing with a fantastic fruitiness.”
“This year has still been a difficult year for many growers, because of the drought.” continued Bettio. “We are so proud of our team for always pushing through and working hard to produce the best product we can despite environmental factors. When you are a small business, the people are so important and it’s an honour to receive these types of awards because it’s a win for everyone.”
The Royal Adelaide Olive Awards are regarded as one of Australia’s most respected olive oil competitions, attracting entries from across the country. Judges look for balance, aroma, flavour complexity and overall excellence – and Rio Vista Olives’ Koroneiki stood out from the field.
Rio Vista Olives is no stranger to success, with a proud history of crafting award-winning oils. Based in the Adelaide Hills and Murraylands, the family and their team have been carefully crafting premium olive oils, blending tradition with innovation to create oils that are celebrated by Chef’s, foodies and home cooks alike.
The pool of awards recently won by Rio Vista Olives at the Royal Adelaide Olive Awards include: Best South Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Show, Best Medium EVOO in show, Best Single Variety EVOO in show, 3 Gold Medals, 1 Silver Medal and 2 Bronze Medals.