11 Italy’s Finest Olive Oil Brands for Authentic Taste

With so many Italian olive oil brands on the market, how do you find Italy’s finest olive oil?

I’ll take you through Italy’s top brands in this blog post. Here’s how I chose to explore this vast topic:

• Explore the internationally recognized brands.
• Discuss the Premium and Specialty Olive Oil brands.
• Tell you about the delicious but Affordable products.
• Explore the healthy practices by brands to maintain top quality.

Key Takeaways

• Global Presence and Tradition: Bertolli, Carapelli, and Monini are celebrated for their worldwide availability, artisanal quality, and enduring traditions.
• Premium and Specialty: Brands like Antico Frantoio Muraglia, Garda D.O.P., Farchioni, and Frantoio Franci emphasize superior quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and distinctive flavors.
• Lesser-Known Varieties: Laudemio, Pruneti, and Le Tre Colonne represent the diverse and rich offerings of lesser-known Italian olive oil brands.
• Affordable Quality: Levante, Sasso, and Partanna are accessible brands that provide high-quality olive oil for everyday cooking, offering good value without the premium price tag.

Internationally Recognized Brands

Several brands of olive oil from Italy hold global recognition. These brands are renowned for consistently delivering top-quality, flavorful olive oils, becoming kitchen staples worldwide. We will now examine the rich history and outstanding taste of:

• Bertolli
• De Cecco
• Carapelli
• Monini

Each of these brands has its own unique characteristics, including:

• Bertolli’s diverse flavors and global presence
• De Cecco’s marriage of pasta and olive oil
• Carapelli’s artisanal excellence
• Monini’s century of flavorful tradition

Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail.

Bertolli: The Global Ambassador of Italian EVOO

Bertolli, a global leader in Italian extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has graced tables worldwide for over 150 years. With roots dating back to 1865 in Tuscany, Bertolli has become a symbol of Italian cuisine, offering various flavors to suit every preference.

From the original, robust, and delicate to the aromatic, Bertolli caters to those who seek the finest European oils sourced from the best olives in Italy and beyond.

This versatility also extends to the kitchen, as Bertolli’s EVOO is perfect for various cooking techniques, from drizzling on salads to enhancing the flavors of pasta dishes.

Bertolli’s dedication to quality, taste, and versatility has earned the brand the title of “The Global Ambassador of Italian EVOO,” it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the best Italian olive oils on the market.

But don’t just take my word for it – acclaimed chefs and enthusiasts alike hail Bertolli as a culinary masterpiece. As one satisfied customer puts it, ‘Bertolli’s EVOO elevates every dish to a new level of sophistication.’

-Luca

De Cecco: Pasta’s Perfect Partner

While De Cecco may be best known for its pasta, this brand also offers six exceptional olive oil varieties with unique flavor profiles. With options like:

• Classic
• 100% Italian
• Fruity
• Delicate
• Unfiltered (read about differences vs. filtered here)
• Exclusive

De Cecco has something to suit every taste bud. Produced by a family oil mill, De Cecco’s olive oil is the perfect partner for their renowned pasta, enhancing the flavors of your favorite Italian dishes.

The classic flavor is the most popular among consumers, with its beautiful green color and golden-yellow reflections. However, the 100% Italian variety is considered one of the best Italian olive oils, offering an authentic taste that can transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Packaged in a sleek black bottle with golden writing, De Cecco’s extra virgin olive oil tastes good and looks good on your table, too.

Carapelli: Artisanal Excellence in Every Drop

Carapelli has been synonymous with artisanal excellence for over a century. The brand combines traditional methods and modern technology to produce some of the finest Italian olive oil.

One of their most popular offerings is “Oro Verde,” a 100% Italian extra virgin olive oil with a lively, intense, and fruity taste.

Carapelli’s commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, from the handpicking of olives at the perfect ripeness to the cold-pressing process that locks in their natural flavors and aromas. This dedication to craftsmanship and tradition has earned Carapelli a place among Italy’s leading olive oil players and worldwide.

Monini: A Century of Flavorful Tradition

Established in 1920, Monini has been crafting top-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil for over a century.

Their “Classico” Extra Virgin Oil is the best-selling oil in Italy, thanks to its first extraction process that guarantees the finest quality olive oil. Monini sources a variety of olives from different parts of Italy, including southern and central Italy, as well as the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Monini’s dedication to quality is not limited to their “Classico” variety, as they also offer a range of flavored oils, each with its own unique taste profile. Whether you’re looking to add a hint of truffle to your pasta or a touch of chili to your salad dressing, Monini has you covered.

With a century of flavorful tradition behind them, Monini remains a popular choice for those seeking the authentic taste of Italian olive oil.

Premium and Specialty Olive Oils: A Taste of Luxury

Italy offers a luxurious olive oil experience with its premium and specialty oils, including the best Italian olive oil brands prioritizing quality, craftsmanship, and distinctive flavors.

Often utilizing rare olive varieties or artisanal production techniques, these exceptional olive oils provide a distinct taste of luxury. We will now examine the following brands:

1. Antico Frantoio Muraglia
2. Garda D.O.P.
3. Farchioni
4. Frantoio Franci

As we Examine these exquisite olive oils, you’ll learn the nuances of flavor, aroma, and texture that distinguish them from more common varieties.

Antico Frantoio Muraglia

Antico Frantoio Muraglia, a Puglian brand known for its craftsmanship and exceptional olive oil, has been producing olive oil for over 80 years.

Founded in Andria, the oil capital of Apulia, Italy, the brand has a rich history that spans five generations. Antico Frantoio Muraglia is committed to preserving and promoting the region’s olive oil heritage, using traditional methods and Peranzana olives in their production process.

Their dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the quality of their olive oil, sourced from the finest olive groves, which boasts notes of:

• fresh grass
• almonds
• artichokes
• hay
• herbs
• thistle

The care taken during the harvesting and processing of their olives ensures that each drop of Antico Frantoio Muraglia’s oil is a true reflection of the flavors and aromas that have made Puglian olive oil famous around the world.

Garda D.O.P.

Garda D.O.P. is an exceptional Italian extra virgin olive oil. It has been awarded with the Protected Designation of Origin thanks to its unique aromas.

Produced in the picturesque region of Lake Garda, these olive oils typically have a light to medium fruity flavor, with notes of:

• fresh grass
• almonds
• artichokes
• herbs

The low acidity level of less than 0.4% makes Garda D.O.P. olive oil a sought-after choice for those looking for a high-quality, authentic Italian olive oil.

Strict production standards and regulations protect the distinctive flavors of Garda D.O.P. olive oil, ensuring that each bottle genuinely expresses the region’s terroir.

Whether drizzling it over grilled vegetables, dipping bread or using it in your favorite salad dressing, Garda D.O.P. olive oil will elevate your dishes with its unique and delicious flavors.

Farchioni – Traditional, Historic Brand

Farchioni, a historic Italian brand focused on tradition and sustainability, has been producing high-quality olive oil for generations.

Founded in 1780, Farchioni has remained a family-owned business dedicated to preserving the traditions and techniques that have made Italian olive oil renowned worldwide.

Their commitment to quality is evident in their range of flavorful and aromatic olive oils, including their popular Il Casolare extra virgin olive oil. This oil uses a blend of olives from various Italian regions, providing a well-balanced and authentic taste.

Farchioni’s dedication to tradition, sustainability, and quality has earned them a place among Italy’s most respected olive oil producers.

Frantoio Franci – Premium Tuscan Olive Oils

Frantoio Franci, a premium brand offering award-winning Tuscan olive oils, was founded in 1958 by brothers Fernando and Franco Franci. What began as a humble family-run business has become a symbol of quality and excellence in olive oil.

Frantoio Franci’s olive oils have garnered numerous awards, showcasing the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional products. Some of their notable olive oils include:

• Villa Magra Grand Cru
• Le Trebbiane
• Olivastra Seggianese
• Frantoio
• Moraiolo

Their olive oils use olives from the Tuscan region’s olive trees. They are known for:

• distinct packaging
• antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds
• fruity-fresh fragrance
• golden yellow hue

Frantoio Franci’s Tuscan extra virgin olive oils are a must-try for anyone seeking luxury, thanks to their outstanding quality and nutty flavor.

Other Noteworthy

As we continue, it’s worth mentioning a few lesser-known but noteworthy brands that are gaining popularity and recognition for their quality and unique offerings. Some of these brands include:

• Laudemio
• Pruneti
• Le Tre Colonne
• Olio Guglielmi
• Fratelli Carli
• Castello di Ama
• Coppini Arte Olearia
• Fonte di Foiano

I won’t bore you with more details on these, but suffices to say that these brands showcase the diversity and richness of Italian olive oil production. They offer a variety of flavors, aromas, and production methods to suit every palate.

-Luca

Whether you’re looking for an organic option, a boutique brand specializing in wine and olive oil, or an award-winning Tuscan EVOO, these noteworthy brands offer a truly unique taste of Italy.

Check out all Italian olive oils in our store, or browse at Amazon here.

Popular and Accessible Italian Brands

While premium and specialty olive oils enhance special occasions, it’s noteworthy to acknowledge the popular and accessible Italian brands that infuse authentic taste into everyday cooking.

These brands offer high-quality olive oils at a more affordable price point, making them a favorite choice for home chefs and food lovers. In this section, I’ll explore:

• Levante
• Sasso
• Partanna
• and a few others that deserve a place in your pantry.

Despite not having the same prestige or luxury appeal as their premium counterparts, these brands still provide taste, quality, and authenticity. They offer a range of options, from mild and delicate to robust and peppery, proving that good olive oil can be affordable.

Levante: Bringing Italian Flavor to Every Table

Levante, a brand that brings Italian flavor to every table, originates from the Liguria region in Italy. Offering a range of high-quality extra virgin olive oils, Levante is known for its:

• Light and balanced flavors that don’t overpower the palate
• Fruity to spicy, intense to slightly bitter options
• Versatility for various culinary applications

Levante has something to suit every taste and enhance any dish.

Levante’s commitment to quality is reflected in their Quality Monitoring Program, which ensures the purity and freshness of their extra virgin and organic extra virgin olive oils.

By choosing Levante, you’ll experience authentic Italian olive oil and support a brand that values quality and consistency.

Sasso: Consistency Meets Quality

Sasso, a brand that combines consistency and quality in its olive oil production, dates back to 1860.

Known for its genuine oil produced using centuries-old traditions, Sasso is a historic brand of national importance, now owned by Nestlé Italiana. With a focus on uniform and consistent quality, Sasso continues to please taste buds worldwide.

To maintain the quality of their olive oil, Sasso follows strict production standards and undergoes laboratory analysis tests that check for various quality parameters.

With certification labels that allow customers to trace the oil’s origin, Sasso ensures that each bottle meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

Partanna: Yet Another Excellent EVOO

Established in 1916 in Partanna, Sicily, Partanna olive oil is produced by Oleificio Asaro, a family-owned business crafting high-quality extra virgin olive oil for over a century. Made from 100% Sicilian olives, Partanna’s oil offers an authentic taste that can elevate any dish.

Their commitment to quality is evident in the hand-pressing and processing techniques used on their family-owned farm in Southwestern Sicily.

With a focus on maintaining the natural essence of the olives, Partanna’s oil delivers an intense and vibrant taste that is a true reflection of Italian cuisine.

Others In This Category

In addition to the famous and accessible names mentioned above, several lesser-known Italian olive oil brands are worth exploring. Some of these brands include:

• Colavita
• Sant’Agata d’Oneglia
• Vincenzo Marvulli Olive Oil
• Titone

These brands are gaining popularity for their quality and unique offerings.

These brands may not have achieved the same level of recognition as some of their more established counterparts, but they still deliver on taste, quality, and authenticity.

Suppose you’re looking for a new go-to olive oil for everyday cooking or seeking to expand your culinary horizons. In that case, these up-and-coming Italian brands are worth a try.

How Italy’s Olive Oil Brands Ensure Tip-Top Quality

From what I can tell, best brands ensure quality and authenticity by adhering to strict production standards and following specific processes. We will now examine the practices and certifications that guarantee top-quality Italian olive oil. These include:

• Harvesting practices
• Cold pressing
• Certification
• Quality control

All of these practices ensure the delivery of the best possible product.

Comprehending these practices and certifications aids in making educated choices when selecting Italian olive oil for your kitchen.

Whether you use oil for salads, pasta dishes, or crusty bread, knowing the measures taken by Italian brands offers assurance and confidence in your selection.

Harvesting Practices: The First Step to Quality

The quality of Italian olive oil begins with the harvesting practices used by producers. Some essential practices include:

• Picking olives at the right time
• Handling olives with care to retain natural flavors and aromas
• Using traditional methods such as handpicking and using nets to collect fallen olives

These practices help maintain the fruit’s integrity and result in a more flavorful and nutritious oil.

In addition to these time-honored techniques, modern innovations and research also ensure the quality of Italian olive oil.

The careful selection of olive varieties, monitoring of growing conditions, and advancements in processing technology all contribute to maintaining the high standards for which Italian olive oil is known.

Cold Pressing: Ensuring Purity and Flavor

Cold pressing is an essential step in the production of Italian olive oil, as it ensures the purity and flavor of the final product. By extracting oil from olives without heat or chemicals, cold pressing preserves the beneficial nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins naturally present in olives, resulting in a pure and delicious oil.

The benefits of choosing olive oil brands that use cold pressing include:

• Maintaining the natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients of the olives
• Making the oil healthier and more nutritious
• Ensuring the quality and authenticity of the product

Certification and Quality Control

Certifications, such as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) and IGP (Protected Geographic Indication), play a crucial role in ensuring the authenticity and quality of Italian olive oil.

These certifications provide a recognized and verified indication of the oil’s origin, production methods, and adherence to strict quality standards.

To obtain these certifications, companies must also undergo rigorous quality control measures, including laboratory analysis tests and voluntary association testing.

By seeking certified olive oil products, you can trust that you’re getting a genuine, high-quality product that embodies Italy’s rich olive oil heritage.

Finally!

Italy’s finest olive oil brands are distinguished by their rich history, exceptional taste, and production practices.

From internationally recognized brands to premium and specialty oils and popular and accessible options, there’s an Italian olive oil to suit every taste and budget.

With a deeper understanding of the practices and certifications that guarantee quality and authenticity, you can confidently bring the flavors of Italy to your table. Buon appetito!

You can browse all Italian olive oils in our store or at Amazon here.

Frequently Asked Questions