Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spain – a guide

Extra Virgin Olive Oil comes from Spain - in vast quantities. Much of it is good. Some of it is excellent and some distinctly average. Here we'll help you find your way to the finest extra virgin olive oil...

Spain is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, and at the heart of this gastronomic tapestry lies its extraordinary olive oil production. Spanning a diverse landscape, from the east Mediterranean coast to the western plains and everything in between, Spanish olive oils have distinct flavours, characteristics, and histories. In this guide, we will delve into eight different olive oil regions in Spain, highlighting both the well-known giants and the hidden gems, offering unique insight into their climates, geography, olive grove density, olive tree varieties, and annual production volumes.

Climate: Mediterranean; mild winters, moderate rainfall
Geography: Coastal plains and low mountains
Olive Grove Density: High-density groves
Olive Tree Variety: Blanqueta, Alfafara, Genovesa
Annual Volume of Production: 70,000 metric tons

Valencia, located on Spain's east coast, boasts a Mediterranean climate with cooling sea breezes. The olives grown here have a distinct flavour profile, influenced by the proximity to the sea. The region's high-density olive groves are filled with traditional olive tree varieties like Blanqueta, Alfafara, and Genovesa.

Signature Olive Oil: "Señorios de Relleu" Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Flavour Profile: Señorios de Relleu's olive oil offers a delicate, fruity taste with a hint of ripe tomato and almond. It has a pleasant and balanced bitterness, making it perfect for drizzling over salads and seafood dishes.

Climate: Mediterranean; mild winters, moderate rainfall
Geography: Coastal plains and mountains
Olive Grove Density: Medium-density groves
Olive Tree Variety: Arbequina, Cornicabra, Morrut
Annual Volume of Production: 150,000 metric tons

Catalonia, in the north eastern corner of Spain, boasts a unique blend of Mediterranean climates. Its diverse geography ranges from the sandy soils of the Ebro Delta to the rocky terrain of the Priorat mountains. This region produces olive oils with character, often featuring the Arbequina variety. With a lower olive grove density compared to Andalusia, the focus here is on quality over quantity.

Signature Olive Oil: 

"Mas Tarrés" Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flavour Profile: Mas Tarrés olive oil offers a delicate, fruity taste with slight notes of artichoke, apple, and almond. It has a harmonious balance of sweet and bitter notes, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

Signature Olive Oil: Gaudea
Winners of the silver award for medium intensity olive oil in New York in 2024. The oil is produced from the Arbequina olive grape which provides a "fruity taste: greenish in colour with a taste of bitter almonds, and sweet" according to local regulatory body.

Climate: Mediterranean; mild winters, moderate rainfall
Geography: Mountainous with sandstone soils
Olive Grove Density: Artisan groves with low density
Olive Tree Variety: Serrana, Farga, Morruda, Villalonga
Annual Volume of Production: Limited

Nestled on the east Mediterranean coast, the Sierra Espadán region stands out as a hidden treasure of Spanish olive oil production. The mountainous terrain and sandstone soils make this region unique. Olive groves here are typically artisanal and feature local olive tree varieties like Serrana, Farga, Morruda, and Villalonga.

Signature Olive Oil: Serriana Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Flavour Profile: Sierra Espadán's Serriana olive oil boasts a rich but subtle, buttery taste with hints of green almond. It has a gentle peppery bitterness and a perfectly balanced flavour which makes it ideal for all culinary uses.. A beautiful oil and a  true delicacy for those in the know.

Climate: Continental; hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall
Geography: Vast plains and rolling hills
Olive Grove Density: Medium-density groves
Olive Tree Variety: Manzanilla Cacereña, Cornicabra, Picual
Annual Volume of Production: 90,000 metric tons

Extremadura, in western Spain, offers a stark contrast to the Mediterranean regions. With a continental climate and low rainfall, the olives here are hardy and resilient. The landscape consists of extensive plains and rolling hills, making it a unique olive oil-producing region.

Signature Olive Oil: "Petrus" Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flavour Profile: Petrus olive oil has a robust, slightly spicy flavour with notes of green apple, artichoke, and green almond. It leaves a pleasantly bitter finish, making it an ideal choice for hearty dishes and drizzling over grilled vegetables.

Climate: Mediterranean; hot, dry summers with mild winters, low rainfall
Geography: Rolling plains, valleys, and hills
Olive Grove Density: High-density groves
Olive Tree Variety: Picual, Hojiblanca, Arbequina
Annual Volume of Production: 1.3 million metric tons

Andalusia is the epicenter of Spain's olive oil production. The region's olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see, covering vast expanses of fertile land. The warm Mediterranean climate, with scorching summers and mild winters, is ideal for olive cultivation. Olive groves are densely packed, and three key varieties dominate: Picual, Hojiblanca, and Arbequina. The annual production volume is staggering, making Andalusia the heavyweight of Spanish olive oil.

Signature Olive Oil: "Oro del Desierto" Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Flavour Profile: This olive oil is known for its robust and peppery taste with a hint of bitterness. It has a well-balanced fruity flavour with notes of fresh herbs, green almond, and a long-lasting finish.

Spain's olive oil regions offer a kaleidoscope of flavours, each with its own unique climate, geography, olive grove density, olive tree varieties, and annual production volumes. 

Whether you're a connoisseur or an aspiring epicurean, exploring these regions will provide a profound appreciation for the diversity and excellence of Spanish olive oils. 

Whether you savour the robust and peppery oils of Andalusia, the delicate elegance of Catalonia, the coastal charm of Valencia, or the hidden gems like Sierra Espadán, there's an olive oil region in Spain to suit every palate. 

Embrace the rich heritage and flavours of Spanish olive oils, and elevate your culinary journey to new heights.