Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Considered.
Olivetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Not all extra virgin olive oils are created equal. From the variety of the olive and the place it is grown, to the timing of the harvest and the care taken during extraction, every detail contributes to the character of the finished oil.
At Olivetta, we believe exceptional extra virgin olive oil deserves to be understood, appreciated and enjoyed. Our carefully curated collection brings together distinctive oils from renowned olive-growing regions, each with its own provenance, flavour profile and personality.
Whether delicate and buttery, fresh and balanced, or rich and robust, the right olive oil can transform the simplest ingredients. Discover the difference, explore our stories and recipes, and find an oil to bring something special to your table.
- 4 Distinctive oils
- 3 Growing regions
- 100% Extra virgin
Shop Our Extra Virgin Olive Oils
The Collection
Four distinctive oils from Greece, South Africa and Australia, each with its own provenance and flavour.
-
Delicate
Greece
A beautiful buttery oil, gentle on the palate with a subtle, lingering peppery finish. Made from Koroneiki olives grown in the ancient groves of Messinia in the Peloponnese, Southern Greece.
- Flavour profile
- Smooth, buttery, herbaceous and gently peppery
- Best suited to
- Seafood, fresh salads, marinades, dressings and subtle flavours
-
Robust
Greece
An expressive, full-bodied monovarietal oil made from early-harvest Koroneiki olives grown near Pylos in the Peloponnese. Rich fragrant aromas combine with green fruit, floral notes and a distinctive peppery finish.
- Flavour profile
- Fruity, complex, floral and peppery
- Best suited to
- Grilling, baking, dipping and adding character to vegetables, fish and savoury dishes
-
Medium
South Africa
A carefully curated blend of Frantoio, Coratina, Favolosa and Leccino olives, sourced from the Scherpenheuwel Valley in South Africa's Western Cape. Hand-picked at peak ripeness and cold extracted on the day of harvest.
- Flavour profile
- Green apple, tomato leaf, almond butter and a pleasant white pepper finish
- Best suited to
- Everyday cooking, frying, marinades, baking, drizzling and finishing
-
Terra Australis
Victoria, Australia
A complex and expressive blend of estate-grown Frantoio and Leccino olives, sourced from a single grove in the Surf Coast hinterland of Victoria's Greater Geelong region.
- Flavour profile
- Fresh asparagus, green almond, rosemary and a lingering white pepper finish
- Best suited to
- Roasting vegetables, sautéing aromatics, salads, white fish and chicken
There Is More to Olive Oil Than Meets the Eye
Understanding Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade of olive oil. It is obtained directly from olives using mechanical extraction methods, without chemical refining, and must meet strict chemical and sensory quality standards.
But quality is about more than meeting a standard.
The flavour, aroma and character of the finished oil are shaped by:
- Olive variety
- Growing conditions
- Harvest timing
- Extraction
At Olivetta, we believe olive oil deserves to be appreciated in much the same way as fine wine. Understanding its provenance and flavour allows us to appreciate the individuality of each harvest.
The Olive Press
The Art of Olive Oil: Appreciating it as We Do Fine Wine
Explore the three defining characteristics of extra virgin olive oil: fruitiness, bitterness and pungency. Discover how these qualities influence flavour and how to appreciate the individuality of different oils.
Read the article: The Art of Olive Oil: Appreciating it as We Do Fine WineThe Olive Press
Beyond the Bottle
Understanding the role of an olive oil sommelier and the knowledge behind appreciating, selecting and pairing exceptional olive oils.
Read the article: Beyond the BottleThe Olive Press
What 5,000 Years Can Teach Us About Storing Olive Oil
Discover why protecting olive oil from heat, light and oxygen is essential to preserving its freshness and flavour.
Read the article: What 5,000 Years Can Teach Us About Storing Olive OilThe Olive Press
The Decision That Matters: Extra Virgin vs Regular Olive Oil
Understand the differences between extra virgin and regular olive oil, how they are produced and why extraction methods matter.
Read the article: The Decision That Matters: Extra Virgin vs Regular Olive Oil
Finding Your Flavour
Choosing the Right Olive Oil
Choosing an olive oil is a matter of understanding its character and how it complements the ingredients you are cooking with.
Some oils are gentle and buttery, while others are more expressive, with pronounced fruitiness, bitterness and peppery notes.
- Delicate
- Medium
- Terra Australis
- Robust
There is no single right choice. The pleasure is in discovering the flavours you enjoy.
| Your preference | Olivetta oil | Intensity | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft, buttery and gentle | Delicate | Fish, seafood, salads and subtle flavours | |
| Balanced and versatile | Medium | Everyday cooking, vegetables, dressings and finishing | |
| Balanced fruit with gentle spice | Terra Australis | Roasting, sautéing, salads, white fish and chicken | |
| Rich, complex and peppery | Robust | Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, pasta and bold dishes |
Delicate
Soft, rounded and buttery, with a gentle peppery finish. Ideal for delicate ingredients where you want the olive oil to complement rather than overpower the dish.
Try with: Fresh seafood and white fish; green salads and fresh vegetables; marinades and dressings; cakes and desserts.
Medium
Balanced and versatile, offering enough flavour to contribute character without dominating a dish. An excellent everyday choice for both cooking and finishing.
Try with: Roasted vegetables; everyday salads; sautéed vegetables and aromatics; baking and marinades.
Terra Australis
A beautifully balanced medium-to-robust oil with fresh green aromas, herbaceous character and a lingering peppery finish. Its versatility makes it equally suited to cooking and finishing.
Try with: Roasted vegetables; sautéed aromatics; salads; white fish and chicken.
Robust
Full-bodied and expressive, with pronounced green fruit, bitterness and peppery pungency. A wonderful choice when you want the olive oil to contribute a more distinctive flavour.
Try with: Grilled meats; roasted vegetables; hearty soups and legumes; dipping and finishing.
The best olive oil is the one that brings balance to your dish and pleasure to your table. Explore our collection and discover your favourite.
A Little Inspiration for the Kitchen
Cooking with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Good olive oil is not simply a finishing touch. It is an ingredient in its own right, bringing flavour, depth and character to everyday cooking.
Discover ways to bring Olivetta extra virgin olive oil into your kitchen:
- Slow-cooked dishes
- Simple appetisers
- Entertaining
- Sharing
Recipe
Hang On, Little Tomato
A comforting tomato soup featuring Olivetta Terra Australis EVOO, tomatoes, garlic and aromatics. A lovely example of using olive oil as the foundation of a dish.
View recipe: Hang On, Little TomatoRecipe
Of Lamb and Olive
Grilled lamb fillets with tapenade butter, sweet potato mash and fresh lime, mint and coriander salsa. Shows how different olive oil profiles can contribute to different elements of a meal.
View recipe: Of Lamb and OliveRecipe
Just One More Olive
Mixed olives gently warmed in their own extra virgin olive oil with garlic, citrus, toasted spices and Greek oregano. A simple and generous appetiser.
View recipe: Just One More OliveRecipe
A Flight of Devilled Eggs
A playful interpretation of the classic devilled egg, featuring a silky Terra Australis EVOO filling and a selection of delicious toppings.
View recipe: A Flight of Devilled EggsRecipe
Autumn Bites
Apple and walnut muffins, warmly spiced with cinnamon and enriched with Delicate extra virgin olive oil.
View recipe: Autumn BitesRecipe
Daen Kelly Recipe: Spanish Garlic Prawns
Spanish garlic prawns sizzled in extra virgin olive oil, a simple dish where the oil carries every bit of flavour.
View recipe: Daen Kelly Recipe: Spanish Garlic PrawnsRecipe
Sear, Green and Gold
Seared beef with rocket, Parmesan and a lemony lift, finished with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
View recipe: Sear, Green and GoldRecipe
The Sun of Nice
A Provencal pan bagnat with tuna, tomato, hard-boiled egg, tapenade and capers, made for sharing.
View recipe: The Sun of Nice
Frequently Asked Questions
What is extra virgin olive oil? +
Extra virgin olive oil is the highest grade of olive oil. It is obtained directly from olives through mechanical extraction without chemical refining and must meet strict chemical and sensory standards.
What is the difference between extra virgin olive oil and regular olive oil? +
Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined and retains the natural flavour and aroma of the olives. Regular olive oil generally undergoes refining, resulting in a more neutral flavour. Read The Decision That Matters.
Can you cook with extra virgin olive oil? +
Absolutely. Extra virgin olive oil is suitable for sautéing, roasting, baking and everyday cooking. It also makes an excellent finishing oil for salads, vegetables, seafood and pasta.
Can you fry with extra virgin olive oil? +
Yes. Extra virgin olive oil can be used for frying. As with any cooking oil, avoid overheating it to the point of smoking.
What is the smoke point of extra virgin olive oil? +
The smoke point varies depending on the oil's composition, freshness and condition. It is not the only measure of an oil's suitability for cooking.
Why does olive oil taste bitter or peppery? +
Bitterness and peppery pungency are natural characteristics of extra virgin olive oil. Along with fruitiness, they help define an oil's flavour profile and are influenced by the olive variety and harvest conditions. Read The Art of Olive Oil.
How should extra virgin olive oil be stored? +
Keep olive oil sealed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Limit exposure to oxygen to help preserve its freshness and flavour. Read our storage guide.
Does extra virgin olive oil expire? +
Yes. Olive oil gradually loses its freshness and flavour over time. It is best enjoyed while fresh, stored correctly and consumed before its stated best-before date.
Which olive oil is best for salads? +
Delicate oils are wonderful with subtle salads and fresh seafood, while medium and robust oils can complement stronger ingredients, grilled vegetables and more pronounced flavours.
How do I choose the best olive oil? +
Consider its provenance, production methods and flavour profile. Choose an oil that complements your ingredients and suits your personal preference. See our guide to choosing the right olive oil.
No questions match your search. Try another word, or contact us.
Discover Your Olivetta Favourite
From Grove to Table
From the ancient olive groves of Greece to the landscapes of South Africa and Australia, every oil in our collection has its own story to tell.
Explore our carefully curated selection and discover an extra virgin olive oil to enjoy every day.
- GreeceDelicate and Robust, from the Peloponnese
- South AfricaMedium, from the Western Cape
- AustraliaTerra Australis, from Victoria