Olive oil from Priego de Córdoba

Hello everyone! 😉 The olive oil from Priego de Córdoba is famous and is considered the best olive oil in Córdoba. And even one of the Best in the World. In fact, it is no coincidence that since 2012 different olive oils from Priego have taken the top positions according to the prestigious world ranking “World’s Best Olive Oil“.

Priego de Córdoba

Do you know the town of Priego de Córdoba? It is southeast of the province of Córdoba, and has about 22 thousand inhabitants according to 2019 data. Its history as a town originates from what was the Caliphate of Córdoba, in 745 AD and from the hands of the Muslims who conquered the Peninsula Iberian.

At that time when it was Muslim, it took the name of Bago (Priego), to pass into Castilian hands in 1341, once King Alfonso XI finally reconquered it.

In 1881, King Alfonso XII granted it the title of City due to the increase in population. It was also in the 19th century when illustrious citizens such as Don Niceto Alcalá-Zamora y Torres (1877-1949), the first President of the Second Spanish Republic, were born.

Mountain and climate

Once you have carefully reviewed the History of this illustrious Villa, you will ask yourself: How is it possible that such a small town is famous throughout the world for its olive oil?

Obviously, the answer is where Priego de Córdoba and the towns that make up the subbetic region of Cordoba are located; in the surroundings of the Sierras Subbéticas de Córdoba Natural Park.

olive oil from priego de cordoba — **Olive groves of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park**

The mountainous relief of this Natural Park and its “continentalized” Mediterranean climate due to the remoteness of the sea coast meet ideal climatic conditions. The olive groves, cultivated in height in the very heart of the Natural Park and surroundings, and mostly centenary, produce this appreciated olive oil.

Buy olive oil from Priego de Córdoba

Of course, if there is a place to buy Premium olive oil, that is Priego de Córdoba and its region. In the subbetic region of Cordoba there are eleven municipalities. And which are the following: Almedinilla, Benamejí, Cabra, Carcabuey, Doña Mencía, Encinas Reales, Fuente-Tójar, Iznájar, Lucena, Luque, Palenciana, Priego de Córdoba, Rute and Zuheros.

Thus, in the region there are many brands of olive oil that are produced by the different oil mills. Although the most famous are in Priego de Córdoba and surroundings. It is here that one of the most important PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin) in Spain is found, the PDO Priego de Córdoba.

This PDO works with exceptional quality controls and standards that guarantee the origin of the product. In addition to the control of production, storage and packaging.

But what characteristics does olive oil from Priego de Córdoba have in common, and especially those that comply with the PDO? First of all, the olive varieties used in the production of this EVOO are Picuda, Hojiblanca and Picual. Second, they must be collected at the optimum moment of maturity, and exclusively physical and mechanical procedures must be used for this.

Regarding the sensory properties, and depending especially on the time of the olive harvest, these olive oils offer a wide range of possibilities. Thus, from more ripe and sweet nuances when harvested late, to the intense green fruity of the Premium product when harvested early.

This Premium EVOO (or Gourmet, as we call it), displays herbaceous and fruity nuances on the nose that are reminiscent of tomato and apple, respectively. Likewise, its entry into the mouth surprises with a sweet taste, which gives way to a very pleasant medium bitter and ending with a progressive spiciness.

Brands and oil mills

The most famous extra virgin olive oil brands that are currently under this PDO are: Cladivm, El Empiedro, Parqueoliva Serie Oro, Rincón de la Subbética and Venta del Barón. In addition, as proof of their quality, each year they repeatedly occupy the top positions published annually by the prestigious World’s Best Olive Oil world ranking. It is noteworthy that Rincón de la Subbética has been selected as the Best Oil in the World in 2019/2020. And it is already two consecutive years.

The rest of the oil brands that also comply with the PDO are of an excellent quality. They are the following: El Gayumbal, Extravaganza, Fuente Ribera, Marqués de Priego, Molino de Leoncio Gómez, Oleo Subbética, Parqueoliva, Señorío de Vizcántar and XY.

As for the most relevant oil mills, obviously, they are the ones that produce the most famous olive oil. Firstly, we highlight Almazaras de la Subbética (Rincón de la Subbética, Parqueoliva Serie Oro and Parqueoliva), and then Mueloliva (Venta del Barón), Aroden (Cladivm and La Aldea de Don Gil) and the Sociedad Coop La Purísima (El Empiedro and Prados de Olivo).

There are other very relevant olive oil brands despite not being covered by the Priego de Córdoba PDO. It is worth highlighting Knolive, a very young company that has received distinguished awards thanks to Knolive Epicure (best EVOO according to the World’s Best Olive Oil in 2017/2018). And in addition, this company benefits from the huge experience of Hispasur, the original brand and family oil mill with a long history and exquisite olive oils.

Visit the area

Finally, like everything in life, until you know the places, their products and their people, you do not get to appreciate everything they can offer you. Therefore, do not hesitate and visit this wonderful town to taste its olive oils, or buy olive oil from Priego de Córdoba at latinajadelgourmet.com to enjoy it at home.

See you in the next post!

Summary