Les terroirs de l'huile d'olive? - Ad Olivetum

Olive oil terroirs?

Absolutely! Extra virgin olive oil shares many similarities with wine (terroir, cultivation methods, organic aspects), including the concept of "terroir." Just as a Pinot Noir from Burgundy, the Loire, or Alsace will give us three very different wines, two olive varieties grown in two different regions will give us two oils with very distinct sensory profiles.

Thus, we speak of an olive oil terroir, going far beyond the olive variety or vintage. Olive oil terroirs refer to an area where collective knowledge develops, interactions between an identifiable physical and biological environment (soil, climate, biodiversity, olive varieties), and specific olive growing practices (harvesting methods, mill technology, and preservation practices included!).

A difference from wine? Olive oil does not age well and has a recommended consumption date of between 12 and 18 months from bottling.

Tips:

  1. Remember to store your oil to preserve its sensory attributes for as long as possible, i.e., away from heat and light and in a closed container. Prefer bag-in-box (BIB) for large formats over canisters, as the former prevents air from entering and therefore protects your oil much better.

  2. Choose quality extra virgin olive oils from the current harvest (generally between October and December) with a consumption date of a maximum of 18 months.