New Zealand Goumet Oil Competition

New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition
– Results Announced

Results from the 2012 New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition have been announced with Rangihoua Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil ‘Waiheke Blend’ receiving the top honour – Best in Show.

Over 40 entries were received in the 2012 competition with 4 Gold Medals, 7 Silver Medals and 12 Bronze Medals awarded.

The New Zealand Gourmet Oil Competition, now in its ninth year, was open to New Zealand produced Olive Oil including classes for Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Light, Medium and Intense), Walnut Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Avocado Oil and Infused Olive Oil. Entrants competed for Gold, Silver and Bronze medals; Gold medal oils were judged to decide Best in Show.

Oils were judged by a panel of independent food industry experts including leading New Zealand chef Jonny Schwass, Chris Fortune Chairperson of Farmers Markets NZ, Senior CPIT Lecturer of Professional Cookery Bill Bryce, Ngaire Baker from Mercato and Beverages Editor for Dish magazine Yvonne Lorkin.

Judges were impressed with the overall quality of entries.

“It is an honour to see some of the best oils New Zealand has to offer and each year I am surprised by the increased quality on previous years, this year was no different. What inspired me most this year was that we are beginning to see a New Zealand style of oil, this more than anything excites me about being involved again” said Jonny Schwass.

"What an eye-opener! I thought I'd tasted some good, New Zealand oils in my time, but judging this year revealed I'd only just scratched the surface. I love the fact that our country produces high quality examples ranging from the most delicate, mineral-driven styles of olive oil right through to ultra-dense, herbaceous, grassy examples with serious cough-factor.  

Some oils are very attractive aromatically, but fall short in terms of flavour - they can be very boring - not something I like. But one thing I do appreciate with good oil is silkiness in the mouth, combined with interesting texture and enduring length of flavour - all things which shone in the top oils. I have also discovered a new-found love for hazelnut and walnut oils - New Zealand is definitely producing some stars in that respect" commented Yvonne Lorkin.

Rangihoua Estate is located on Waiheke Island, a small island situated in the Hauraki Gulf of the coast of Auckland. Waiheke has been described as a little Mediterranean jewel, on average two or three degrees warmer than Auckland with around 30% less rainfall. These factors make it perfect for the olives and grapes alike. With its own micro-climate it has a long hot dry summer essential for ripening the olives. Rangihoua’s Waiheke Blend won 2012 Supreme Champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

All medal winning oils will be on display at the Canterbury A&P Show in the Food & Wine NZ Pavilion. 

Download 2012 Results

For further information please contact:
Sharon Lloyd
Tel:  03 343 2867 
Email: sharon@theshow.co.nz

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