The 2009 Fiesta! Olive Awards
The Fleurieu Peninsula is an olive grower’s paradise. Visitors here soon come to realise that olive oil has become a local passion and the focus of an evolving regional cuisine.
The Fleurieu Peninsula Food Olive Awards are designed to assist in the development of regional distinction for varieties predominantly grown on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the most significant and successful olive growing regions in Australia. Many of the groves in the region are not large. However cultural heritage, the Mediterranean climate, recent investment in modern plant and equipment and a great deal of passion has seen superior varieties yield consistent quantities of much sought after high quality oil.
Much of the oil produced on the Fleurieu Peninsula is shipped out of the region to be blended with oil from other regions to make up the necessary quality and quantities needed for national and international supply chains. Whilst this is an important aspect of Australian olive industry development, there are opportunities to differentiate our oils on the basis of region and variety and opportunities to celebrate the difference.
We also anticipate that a regional flavour profile will emerge for particular varieties and that Fleurieu Peninsula varietal oils will be sought after by discerning chefs and consumers for their regionally distinctive full flavour and inevitable culinary appeal.
Although still in its first flush of youth, this dynamic local industry is already making its mark on the international olive oil scene.
Names like Coriole, Fleurieu Feral Oil, Diana Olives, Talinga Grove, Hardings, Seaview Estate, Brian’s Olives, The Olive Grove, Willunga Hills Organic, Lucilla and the McLaren Vale Food Company are taking the lead and receiving recognition for their distinctive, quality products.
As part of a continuous striving for excellence, the Fleurieu Peninsula Olive Oil Association represent local growers and oil producers. Its function is primarily to assist with industry development and in helping to put Fleurieu Peninsula olive oil on the map. Big things are on the way…
2009 Schedule of Awards and Classes
FLEURIEU PENINSULA EVOO VARIETAL CHALLENGE
100% of a single variety Fleurieu Peninsula grown and processed from bulk or bottled stock over 200 litres from the 2004 harvest.
Class 1 – Corregiolo, Frantoio, Mediterranean, Paragon
Class 2 – Koroneiki
Class 3 – Leccini
Class 4 – Verdale
Class 5 – Any other variety
Class 6
100% Fleurieu Peninsula grown, processed and branded from bottled or packaged and labelled stock, blended or varietal.
Class 7
Under 200 litres total 100% Fleurieu Peninsula
Class 8
Blended or varietal, 100% Australian grown and processed, over 200 litres
Class 9
Awarded for the best Kalamata table olive - open to Kalamata table olive producers Australia wide.
Class 10
Awarded to a table olive of any variety, pickling method or marinade - open to table olive producers Australia wide.
Class 11
Commercially produced pastes and tapenades, 100% Australian olives complying with all Food Safety Regulations and labelling laws. |
