The Inaugural Australian Olive Oil Challenge

By Franz Scheurer

Australian Gourmet Pages already conducts an annual Australian Pinot Noir challenge and, as of this year, we are also conducting an Australian Olive Oil Challenge.

25 Australian olive oils were entered into the final judging and a panel of five judged 5 brackets of 5 oils.

The judges were:

Mathew Evans – Food Writer (Sydney Morning Herald)

Roberta Muir – Master of Gastronomy

Derek Nicholson – Distributor (Nicholson and Saville)

Danny Russo – Chef (L’Unico, Balmain)

Virginia Thomas – Retailer (Simon Johnson Purveyor of Quality Foods)

The winner is: Gwydir Grove from NSW

Followed by (in order):

Joseph Frantoio 2003 tied with Mount Zero

Redesdale tied with Dandaragan Robust

Joseph Foothills 2003

Jinggilly

Joseph 2003

N’joi Red

Joseph Frantoio 2002

Joseph 2001 tied with Coriole 1^st Oil

Nicholson & Saville 2003 Frantoio tied with Ridgeback Park

Coriole 2003

Kailis Organic

Coriole Diva

Joseph First Run 2003

The following oils, suspected of being storage affected samples, were also entered but not rated:

Cobram Estate 2003

Flying Fish Angel Creek

Alta Vista Organic

Valley Produce Company

Cicada

Hunter Grove

Nicholson & Saville Late Harvest

As most of the oils were purchased from retail outlets this illustrates the importance of correct storage and using dark glass bottes to avoid the oils being spoilt before they ever reach the consumer.

Congratulations to Gwydir Grove for producing a fabulous Australian olive oil! Thanks to the judges for their patience and lending their palates and to Joanna Fairweather and Peter Saville for stewarding on the night.