Rio Largo’s extra virgin olive oil

SA OLIVES OILS AS GOOD AS THE BEST

Step aside Italy. South Africa is producing world-class olive oil by the gallon. One of these award-winning olive oils is Rio Largo’s extra virgin olive oil – a blend of three olive cultivars (Frantoio, Leccino and Coratina) that are grown and pressed on the estate, not far from Worcester. The mild, not too peppery, but flavoursome oil has hints of cut grass and green apple.

 

Next time you’re in the winelands, pop into the Rio Largo farm on the banks of the Breede River or head to one of the many retailers and delis that stocks their produce (go to www.riolargo.co.za for a full list of stockists).

Another fabulous olive oil is Vesuvio’s extra virgin, produced in Paarl on the largest extraction plant of its type in the southern hemisphere. The farm is open to the public for tastings and purchases and is located not far from this year’s Chenin Blanc Challenge winner, Perdeberg (turn to page 34 for more). The Vesuvio olive oil retails for R43 per 250ml bottle and is available at leading retailers and select delis.

Go to www.vesuvioestates.co.za for more information.