Spain: Italian oil prizewinner

During the seventh edition of the international prize ”Mario Solinas” (award to the best extra virgin olive oils )“Franci” oil- mill from Montenero d’Orcia- the old medieval village in the province of Grosseto- achieved the third position in the category “middle-fruity”, after the greek- oil mill “Rafteli”, which was awarded with the first prize, and the portuguese “Cortes Decima Farm” from Vidigueira. The result was announced yesterday at the ceremony of the prize giving organized by the International Oil Council (COI), which has its headquarter in Madrid. All the producers yearn for “ Solinas” award because it is world-wide known; it was given to nine different olive- farms divided into three main categories ( light, medium intense, fruity) depending on the quantity of oleic acid present in the product.The COI is the most important international structure of the olivecolture, where the joint members are the representative of about 40 countries of the mediterranean area, the most suitable area to plant and grow olive-trees thanks to its climate and cultivar.
The award winners are nominated by a jury composed of nine members, who are requested to test these oils with reference to certain olfactive and tasty peculiarities. The winners are then awarded with the quality qualification “Solinas” printed on the brands of their products successively put into the market.