New Zealand olive oil offers a diverse range of unique flavors, influenced by the country's terroir, climate, and olive cultivars. Here are some of the varieties and tasting notes that showcase the distinctiveness of New Zealand olive oil:

  1. Koroneiki:

    • Tasting Notes: Koroneiki olive oil from New Zealand is known for its robust and fruity flavor profile. It often exhibits intense green fruitiness, with notes of fresh grass, green apple, and hints of herbs like basil and mint. The oil has a peppery finish that adds complexity to its taste.

  2. Frantoio:

    • Tasting Notes: Frantoio olive oil is prized for its balanced flavor profile, characterized by medium fruitiness and a harmonious blend of ripe and green fruit flavors. New Zealand Frantoio olive oil may feature notes of ripe olive, artichoke, almond, and a subtle bitterness with a mild peppery finish.

  3. Leccino:

    • Tasting Notes: Leccino olive oil is known for its mild and delicate flavor profile, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications. In New Zealand, Leccino olive oil may exhibit subtle fruitiness with notes of ripe olive, sweet almond, and a gentle bitterness, along with a smooth, buttery texture.

  4. Picual:

    • Tasting Notes: Picual olive oil is renowned for its robust flavor profile, characterized by intense fruitiness and a distinct peppery kick. New Zealand Picual olive oil may display pronounced green fruit flavors, including green tomato, fig leaf, and artichoke, with a strong peppery finish that lingers on the palate.

  5. Mission:

    • Tasting Notes: Mission olive oil offers a unique flavor profile with a balance of fruity and herbal notes. In New Zealand, Mission olive oil may present medium fruitiness with hints of ripe olive, green banana, and subtle herbal undertones, along with a mild bitterness and a slightly spicy finish.

  6. Manzanillo:

    • Tasting Notes: Manzanillo olive oil is prized for its mild and fruity flavor profile, making it versatile for various culinary uses. New Zealand Manzanillo olive oil may feature soft fruitiness with notes of ripe olive, apple, and a touch of sweetness, along with a gentle bitterness and a hint of pepper on the finish.

  7. Pendolino:

    • Tasting Notes: Pendolino olive oil is known for its delicate and aromatic flavor profile, with a focus on floral and herbal notes. In New Zealand, Pendolino olive oil may exhibit light fruitiness with hints of green almond, grass, and a subtle floral aroma, complemented by a smooth, buttery texture and a mild peppery finish.

These are just a few examples of the unique flavors and tasting notes found in New Zealand olive oil. Each variety offers its own distinct characteristics, allowing consumers to explore the diverse and vibrant world of New Zealand olive oil.