When it comes to enhancing the flavors of your dishes, the quality of your extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can make all the difference. In 2023, a variety of EVOO brands have stood out for their exceptional taste, quality, and versatility. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh salad, using it for baking, or gifting it to a loved one, the right EVOO can elevate any culinary experience. In this article, we review the top extra virgin olive oils of 2023 to help you discover the best brands for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Paesanol Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil is highly regarded for its robust flavor and unfiltered purity, making it the best overall choice.
- Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a versatile runner-up, perfect for both cooking and finishing dishes.
- 365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered Extra Virgin California Olive Oil offers a great balance of quality and affordability, earning an honorable mention.
- Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best option for baking, thanks to its smooth texture and rich taste.
- La Tourangelle Organic Smooth & Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil stands out as the best organic option, ideal for those seeking a fruity and mellow flavor profile.
Paesanol Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Paesanol Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil was the only EVOO to receive threes or higher. Nearly half of all tasters voted it as their top pick of the pack. Made from a blend of three Sicilian olive varieties (“Nocellara del Belice,” “Biancolilla,” and “Cerasuola”), the olive oil is cold-pressed within eight hours of picking, according to the bottle. It is “visibly greener in color,” says Alex, our Editorial Assistant with a “nutty and herbaceous” scent, adds Anna, our Executive Creative Director.
Paesanol also has a thicker consistency than most others in the group — “it really coats the tongue,” says Sofia, our Associate Lifestyle Editor — as well as a grassy, buttery, and smooth taste, according to several tasters. The strong flavor makes “it feel higher quality,” Sofia adds. Reece, our Account Coordinator, even says, it “tastes like it would be put out at an expensive restaurant.” High praise from the typically discerning taster!
Discover the best: top-rated olive oils of the year – best olive oil in the world. Paesanol Unfiltered crowned best extra virgin olive oil. Emphasis on quality, taste, and organic practices.
What’s So Great
- “Nice olive green color”
- Smooth and buttery with grassy notes
- Top pick of four tasters!
Good to Know
- Slightly harder to find in stores than others
Buy: Paesanol Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $17.54 for 750 mL at Amazon
Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a standout in the market, known for its balanced, green, and peppery profile. This oil is perfect for those who appreciate a fair amount of pungency and a sharp bitterness. It pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, bread, and pasta.
What We Liked
Graza’s branding is gorgeous, but this meteorically rising brand of olive oil is about more than just good looks. The squeeze bottles they come in are also quite handy when you’re cooking or drizzling oil.
Transparency and Quality
Graza is committed to transparency in its marketing, sharing information about exactly when each batch of olives was harvested. The Sizzle is made from olives harvested later in the season when they are better for cooking — it adds a mellow hint of flavor without overpowering your meal.
Buying Options
- $14 from Amazon (750 mL)
- $16 from Graza (750 mL)
All of our panelists agreed that the Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which smelled like fresh living tomato plants, was the best all-purpose oil we tested. One taster detected a bright, crisp green apple aroma, noting, “This one is quite fragrant, which makes me excited to taste.”
365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered Extra Virgin California Olive Oil
The 365 by Whole Foods Market 100% California Small Batch Extra Virgin Olive Oil (about $7 for 16.9 fluid ounces at the time of publication) had a grassy, slightly woody smell. It had a buttery avocado flavor and cedar notes. However, some panelists thought it tasted a bit soapy. It was also very bitter with almost no pungency.
A measly two points separate 365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered Extra Virgin California Olive Oil from the runner-up (and in both cases, two tasters voted each their favorite). So it felt apropos to include this chartreuse-colored EVOO. Made with California-grown olives, as the name suggests, this oil is incredibly smooth with a slight bite at the back. That robust flavor turned out to be polarizing among the tasters. While a few found it a bit harsh, those into a more intense taste might appreciate it.
What’s So Great
- Robust flavor
- Good for cooking and dipping
Good to Know
- May cause you to cough
Find it in stores: 365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered Extra Virgin California Olive Oil, $13.99 for 1 liter at Amazon
Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Overview
Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a versatile and high-quality olive oil that stands out for its strong but not overwhelming taste. It has a grassy, smooth smell that enhances the flavor of various dishes.
Key Features
- Type of oil: Extra-virgin
- Country of origin: Tunisia
- Bottle size: 1L
- Processing: Cold-pressed
- Usage: Suitable for both finishing dishes and frying up to 190°C
Taste and Aroma
This olive oil imparts a wonderful, subtle green olive flavor to whatever it’s added to. It is as good drizzled on salad as it is mixed through pasta. If you find Italian or Spanish olive oil too harsh, this delicate virgin olive oil is a great choice.
Pros
- Strong but not overwhelming taste
- Easy to pour
- Grassy, smooth smell
Cons
- Some may find the flavor too subtle for their liking
Partanna Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a great option for those who prefer a delicate and versatile olive oil that can be used in a variety of dishes.
La Tourangelle Organic Smooth & Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil
La Tourangelle Organic Smooth & Fruity Extra Virgin Olive Oil is made with organic Spanish olives, offering a flavorful and smooth taste. This olive oil comes in a 34-ounce bottle and is cold-pressed in Italy. It has a wide pouring spout for easy use. Despite being slightly harder to find, this oil stands out for its rich flavor compared to other La Tourangelle varieties. The olives used in this oil are sourced from Andalusia, Spain, and are harvested early in the season for optimal freshness and taste.
Brightland Alive
Brightland’s Alive Olive Oil has a luxurious taste with the price tag to match. It is one of the darkest-colored oils, but on the palate it is light and zippy. It has a delightfully bright, green flavor, like a bite of fresh arugula.
Tasting Notes
Brightland paved the way in demystifying olive oil’s many nuanced tasting notes, and they’ve since become a leader in the specialty oil market. The Alive blend is pitch-perfect as a dip for bread, thanks to its fresh and vibrant flavor profile.
Production Process
Like all of Brightland’s oils, the olive varietal is listed for each bottle, and they’re milled within 90 minutes of harvest for a truly fresh product. The most recent batch was harvested in November of 2022 and ships beginning in June. Brightland continues to go above and beyond for extra brand credit with opaque, UV-coated bottles made from recycled glass.
Origin and Sustainability
All of Brightland’s oils are made from olives grown on small family farms in California, and they’re processed by cold pressing, to preserve the flavor integrity. Brightland is a woman and minority-owned business that’s captured the hearts of many a pro chef and home cook.
Brightland’s Alive Olive Oil is a crowd favorite among our staff, spotlighting award-winning olive oils, emphasizing taste, aroma, and texture.
Kosterina Flavor Trio
The Kosterina Flavor Trio is one of our top picks: the best of the best olive oils for culinary enthusiasts. This set includes three distinct flavors, each made from the signature Kosterina extra virgin olive oil, which is known for its rich and robust taste. The trio is perfect for those who love to experiment with different flavors in their cooking.
What We Like
- Flavorful
- Made from the signature EVOO
- Can be purchased individually
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Bottles scratch somewhat easily
Best For Gifting
The Kosterina Flavor Trio is beautifully packaged, making it an excellent gift option. The bottles are designed to evoke the beautiful Mediterranean sea with their calming blue and white hues. This set is already beautifully gift-wrapped, so you don’t have to worry about presentation.
Versatility
Kosterina olive oil is perfect for everyday use. Use it to roast and sauté in addition to splashing it over salads. The flavor profile is incredibly smooth with no bitterness, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
For how luxurious it tastes, it’s quite affordable. While Brightland’s oil is about 10 cents per mL, Kosterina is just six cents per mL. Since you don’t have to be too precious, given its price, we think Kosterina is the best olive oil for everyday use.
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Overview
Filippo Berio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil is known for its grassy and bold flavor profile. This cold-pressed blend of olives from five countries ensures a 100% olive oil product, unlike some other budget options. It is available in various sizes, ranging from 8.4 to over 100 ounces, making it a versatile addition to any pantry.
Uses
The brand recommends using this olive oil for cooking at temperatures under 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also ideal for marinating, drizzling, sautéing, and even as a dipping oil.
Price
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a great budget-friendly option, typically priced around £4 for a 500ml bottle. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want quality olive oil without breaking the bank.
A great, cheaper addition to any pantry, Filippo Berio’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil offers both quality and affordability.
L’estornell Extra Virgin Olive Oil
L’estornell Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a standout choice among the top prestigious olive oil brands. This article explores its quality, authenticity, and culinary versatility.
Taste and Aroma
L’estornell offers an olivey and grassy taste that is both robust and refreshing. The subtle green olive flavor makes it perfect for drizzling on salads or mixing through pasta.
Versatility
Unlike some extra-virgin oils, this oil can be used for both finishing dishes and frying up to 190°C. It imparts a wonderful, subtle green olive flavor to whatever it’s added to.
Packaging
Available in various sizes ranging from 8.4 to 101.4 ounces, L’estornell comes in a large, beautiful bottle that pours slowly, ensuring you use just the right amount.
Origin and Processing
This extra virgin olive oil is cold-pressed and sourced from Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, and Tunisia, ensuring a blend of the finest olives.
If you find Italian or Spanish olive oil too harsh, this delicate virgin olive oil is a great choice.
Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Overview
Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a well-balanced oil with a lovely nutty and herbaceous scent. It features a pronounced, peppery finish and a loose texture, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
Flavor Profile
This olive oil offers an enjoyable grassy and nutty scent, with notes of green apple, mint, citrus, and wintergreen leaves. Its bitterness is milder compared to other oils, but it has a punchy, peppery finish. The flavor is woody and grassy, with a mellow melon aftertaste.
Uses
- Ideal for dipping and dressing
- Suitable for drizzling over salads and vegetables
- Can be used for light sautéing and finishing dishes
Price
Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil is priced at approximately $12 for a 375 mL bottle, making it a cost-effective option for those who enjoy using olive oil liberally in their cooking.
A Lovely, Balanced Finishing Oil: Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Discover the exquisite taste of Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a true gem in the world of gourmet cooking. Renowned for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits, this premium olive oil is a must-have in any kitchen. Elevate your culinary creations and experience the best olive oil in the world. Visit our website to learn more and make your purchase today!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of extra virgin olive oils is vast and varied, offering something for every palate and culinary need. From the robust and peppery to the smooth and fruity, our comprehensive review of the top brands of 2023 has highlighted the best options available. Whether you’re looking for the perfect oil for baking, salads, or everyday cooking, our top picks such as Paesanol Unfiltered Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and 365 Whole Foods Market Unfiltered Extra Virgin California Olive Oil have proven to be exceptional choices. Remember, the key to selecting the best olive oil lies in understanding your personal taste preferences and the specific uses you have in mind. We hope this guide has provided valuable insights and helped you discover the finest extra virgin olive oils to elevate your culinary creations.
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