Hello, flavor enthusiasts and wellness seekers! Welcome back to The Happy Vine—your go-to for turning everyday ingredients into moments of pure joy. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the liquid gold that deserves a place at your tasting table. We’ll guide you through a professional yet approachable tasting method, explore its impressive health benefits, and share detailed notes on two exceptional single-varietal oils from our friends at Somm In The Grove: Picual Medium EVOO and Coratina Robust EVOO. Ready your tasting glass—let’s dive in!
The Art of Tasting Olive Oil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tasting olive oil is a sensory experience that mirrors wine appreciation—engaging aroma, flavor, and even a subtle throat tingle. Follow these steps for an authentic at-home ritual:
- Pour a Small Sample: Measure about one tablespoon into a small glass. Cup it in your hands to warm gently, releasing volatile aromas. Room temperature works, but a slight warmth enhances complexity.
- Inhale Deeply: Cover the glass, swirl, then uncover and smell. Fresh EVOO reveals vibrant notes—think green grass, ripe tomato, artichoke, or almonds. Avoid anything dull or off.
- Slurp to Aerate: Sip and slurp audibly to mix air with the oil, coating your palate fully.
- Evaluate the Trio: Identify fruitiness (primary flavors), bitterness (on the tongue’s back, from polyphenols), and pungency (a peppery throat tickle—a hallmark of quality). Note balance and finish.
- Reset and Compare: Cleanse with apple or bread, then taste additional oils side-by-side for contrast.
Pro Tip: Taste first thing in the morning for clarity, and store EVOO in a cool, dark place. Pair your session with crusty bread for dipping—it’s an instant elevation!
The Science-Backed Benefits of EVOO: Your Wellness Ally
EVOO isn’t just delicious—it’s a research-backed superstar. Rich in monounsaturated fats, it supports heart health by helping manage cholesterol. Its polyphenols act as potent antioxidants, combating inflammation and oxidative stress linked to chronic disease. Long-term studies, including those on the Mediterranean diet, associate regular EVOO consumption with lower blood pressure, improved cognitive function, radiant skin, and even healthy weight maintenance. Anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and satiating—make it extra virgin for maximum impact. Your body (and taste buds) will thrive!
Meet Sara Jimenez: The Visionary Behind Somm In The Grove
A special nod to my dear women in wine Sommelier friend Sara Jimenez, the inspiring founder of Somm In The Grove. As a certified olive oil sommelier and the driving force behind this woman-owned business, Sara brings the same artistry to olive oil that sommeliers reserve for fine wine. A fellow woman in the wine-and-oil world, she’s become a true ally and friend. Her commitment to early-harvest, single-varietal EVOOs—cold-pressed and small-batch—ensures every bottle is vibrant, authentic, and full of character. Supporting Sara means championing excellence and empowering women in the industry.
Tasting Notes: Somm In The Grove’s Standout Pair
These early-harvest, cold-pressed EVOOs from Somm In The Grove showcase varietal purity and peak freshness. Let’s explore:
Picual Medium EVOO
Picual extra-virgin olive oil is a bold powerhouse with serious personality—intense, aromatic, and unapologetically robust! Thanks to its rock-solid stability and sky-high smoke point (around 415°F/213°C), this oil thrives under serious heat, making it your go-to for everything from deep-frying to sizzling sautéing and hearty stews. Its signature bitterness and peppery kick add incredible depth as a finishing drizzle too.
Ready to unleash some flavor fireworks? Grab that bottle and get cooking!
- Aroma: Lively and green—evoking almond husk, tomato leaf, and subtle banana skin.
- Palate & Texture: Medium-bodied with a silky, buttery feel. Bright green apple and artichoke lead into balanced bitterness and a gentle, warming pepper finish.
- Pairings: I love reaching for it in classics like authentic Spanish paella, Lebanese chickpea stew, or simply drizzled over grilled veggies and creamy burrata—it brings that irresistible edge! Feeling adventurous? Picual’s daring side shines in sweet treats too: adventurous chefs swirl it into dark chocolate desserts, silky olive oil flan, or even velvety olive oil ice cream, where its complex, spicy bite creates the most thrilling contrast against rich sweetness.
- Verdict: Approachable yet sophisticated, this is your everyday essential and a perfect introduction to serious oil tasting.
Coratina Robust EVOO
Coratina extra-virgin olive oil, hailing from the sun-drenched groves of Puglia, Italy, is an absolute force of nature—a high-polyphenol powerhouse loaded with electrifying aromas. This bold Italian icon shines brighter than ever with its unbeatable stability and intense personality, effortlessly conquering both scorching high-heat cooking and those dramatic, flavor-punching finishing drizzles.
- Aroma: Intense and herbaceous—wild arugula, fresh cut grass, black pepper, walnut, and green tea.
- Palate & Texture: Full-throttle intensity: bold fruitiness, pronounced bitter chicory, and a fiery pungency that builds into a rewarding throat catch. Rich and velvety.
- Pairings: Built for robust dishes—Picture it transforming robust mains: its bold flavor stands tall against hearty proteins—drizzle over grilled steak, lamb chops, or game to amplify charred smokiness; or shine in fiery Italian dishes like crispy Spaghetti all’Assassina and chili-packed Aglio e Olio. It masters vegetables too, cutting through bitterness and sweetness with ease—sauté or finish bitter greens like radicchio, kale, or broccoli rabe; balance roasted roots such as butternut squash, parsnips, or caramelized onions; or drizzle raw over garlicky bruschetta and tomato toast to unleash its grassy brilliance. Feeling daring? Drizzle over 70%+ dark chocolate with sea salt for a savory-sweet thrill, pair with sharp Pecorino or Parmesan to match intensities, or top vanilla/chocolate ice cream for a peppery, unforgettable twist.
- Verdict: A statement oil for bold palates. Where Picual whispers, Coratina sings with authority.
There you have it—your complete guide to savoring EVOO with confidence and joy! Visit Somm In The Grove to bring these bottles home and start your tasting journey. What’s your favorite way to enjoy olive oil? Share in the comments—I can’t wait to hear! Until next time, stay curious, stay drizzly, and keep shining.
Get your EVOO today! https://somminthecity.com/somm-in-the-grove-green-extra-virgin-olive-oils/