Olive oil in Italy

Olive Oil in Italy: A Guide to the Best Italian Olive Oil

The Best Olive Oils in Italy

Italy is known not only for its wine and great cuisine, but also for its olive oil. After Spain, Italy is the second-largest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the world. Olive oil is an integral part of Italian cuisine and culture, and the history of olive oil production in Italy dates back thousands of years, to the time of the Romans, who used olive oil for cooking, medicinal purposes, and religious ceremonies. And even today, olio di oliva (Italian for olive oil) is an indispensable part of Italian cuisine, from bread to delicious fish and pasta dishes.

What makes olive oil from Italy so special? Italian olive oil is known for its high quality and variety of flavors. The main characteristic of Italian extra virgin olive oil lies in its diversity, which stems from the fact that more than 350 types of olive oil are grown in Italy, giving each oil a unique flavor. Therefore, it’s no surprise that this staple ingredient in Italian cuisine boasts several protected designations of origin (like wine and cheese), making Italian olive oil one of the best olive oils in the world.

What are the best olive oils in Italy? Which region in Italy is best for olive oil? It’s time to make a decision as we give you some recommendations as we explore four Italian olive oil regions and areas to experience in 2023 in our guide to the best olive oils in Italy.

Tuscany

Known for its exceptionally high-quality products, Tuscany produces some of Italy’s finest olive oils with rich, complex flavors. In addition to renowned wines, there are many wineries in Tuscany that also produce olive oil, and the taste of Tuscan olive oil can vary greatly depending on the winery. The unique and unmistakable flavor of Tuscan olive oil is obtained from a blend of three types of olives, chosen for their exceptional characteristics.

• Frantoio: fruity and slightly spicy
• Moraiolo: spicy note
• Leccino: sweet and smooth

To top it all off, Tuscany is the only region in Italy that produces olive oil with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), so you really must try Italy’s best olive oil there.

Sardinia

This protected designation of origin covers almost the entire island of Sardinia, where there is no shortage of spectacular Italian olive oil. The unique flavor of Sardinian olive oil is due to the following native olive varieties: Bosana, Tonda di Cagliari, Nera di Villacidro, and Semidana. This wonderful olive oil is best enjoyed with liverwurst crostini or bruschetta, but also with red meats, soups, and sauces.

If you want to buy high-quality olive oil when visiting Sardinia, we recommend a visit to Bonu in Cagliari. This shop not only offers the island’s finest olive oils but also a variety of other local products that are sure to pique your interest. Another excellent option is Sale & Pepe in Sassari, a classic deli where you can purchase some of the most exceptional Italian olive oils. You can also relax here with an aperitif or sample some of Sardinia’s finest dishes.

Lake Garda

If you want to discover another extraordinary variety of Italy’s prized olive oil, you must visit the region around Lake Garda. Here you will find some of Italy’s most unique and unusual olive oils, as the olive-growing area is relatively small compared to other regions. This rare Italian olive oil is characterized by its fresh aroma, with slightly spicy notes reminiscent of herbs and artichokes. The special thing about this olive oil is its color, which has a beautiful golden-green hue thanks to the high chlorophyll content of the olives used in its production.

To enjoy the best olive oil from Lake Garda, we recommend Agraria Riva del Garda and the family-run Comincioli, both of which offer award-winning olive oils from the region.

Lazio

Olive oil production in Lazio dates back to ancient times, as it was produced by the Etruscans and Romans. But despite its long history, Lazio has only recently begun to attract attention for its olive oil. The main olive variety used in Lazio is Itrana, which gives the oil a unique aroma, similar to that of the Mediterranean.A touch of tomato, complemented by some herbal nuances.

We recommend visiting Casale del Giglio, where you can find beautiful olive groves amidst archaeological sites and taste the best olive oil in the region.