Argudell Extra Virgin Olive Oil: What Makes It So Special?

Olive oil is intimately linked to the Mediterranean diet and to Spain. It's no coincidence that our country is one of the main producers worldwide. For this reason, today we're going to tell you about a very special oil, Argudell extra virgin olive oil from Empordà.

Empordà, a world-renowned region for wine and oil

The Empordà region not only excels in wines but also in oils, many of which have won awards in competitions worldwide. This is due to the character and climate of the region, located in Girona, Catalonia.

This land is shaped by its climate and geographical location (bordered to the north by France and to the east by the Mediterranean), which is reflected in the products and foods grown in the area.

The district is composed of the regions of Pla de l'Estany and Gironès, along with Baix and Alt Empordà, its official name as recorded in the various existing Designations of Origin for both wine and oil.

Another unofficial term also used is Baix and Alt Ampurdán. The quality and characteristics of this land are reflected in the olive oil and wine cultivation processes.

The famous tramontana wind is very common in the area and can sometimes reach speeds of over 100 km per hour. The wind is a fundamental factor in the winemaking and also olive oil production process.

This is because the tramontana significantly helps prevent the appearance of mold and pests, which facilitates organic farming. Undoubtedly, an aspect that greatly influences the different varieties of olive oil produced in the area.

Although Empordà has historically been known for wine production, especially rosés, it also markets and produces high-quality and renowned olive oil.

Not only in Spain, but also abroad. In fact, two of the varieties grown there are flavored Argudell virgin olive oil and Syrah grape vinegar, two products that fit perfectly into Mediterranean cuisine.

Argudell Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Empordà: characteristics and varieties

In Alt Empordà, there are centuries-old olive trees that bear different varieties of olives. These three native olive tree varieties from the area are the following:

• Verdial or Llei de Cadaqués.
• Argudell.
• Corivell.
• Arbequina. (Recently incorporated at the end of the 20th century, it is not considered native to Empordà).

Cultivation in the area has been ongoing for centuries; proof of this is the existence of the wild plant known as acebuche or wild olive, indicating knowledge of the plant and how olive groves have expanded.

Archaeological remains discovered in the region demonstrate the presence of an industry dedicated to wine and oil since before Roman times.

Empordà Protected Designation of Origin

For this reason, and to protect Empordà extra virgin olive oil, the D.O.P (Denominació d’Origen Protegida Oli de l’Empordà) was created in 2008, covering five municipalities in Girona as well as Alt and Baix Empordà and three municipalities in Pla de l’Estany.

This Protected Designation of Origin certification is similar to the D.O. for products like wine, which corroborates the good work and efforts of the region's farmers. This seal of quality is certified by the Generalitat de Catalunya.

Of the three olive tree species mentioned above, Argudell is the most abundant and most cultivated due to the excellent results it yields for oil production, thanks to its adaptation to the harsh climatic and topographical conditions of the Empordà area.

It is an olive tree adapted to the poor soils cultivated in mountains dominated by the strong tramontana winds.

Finally, it should be noted that the presence of Corivell olive trees is less than the other two varieties. In fact, their number is residual, while Verdial has more quantity, although there are not as many olive trees as Argudell.

The Verdial olive tree variety from Empordà is the second most cultivated, although it does not reach the level of Argudell. It should be mentioned that another variety, Arbequina, was incorporated a couple of decades ago.

Empordà oil has a clean and transparent appearance. Its aroma and flavor recall the presence of plants such as fennel, almond, and anise. Both Argudell and Corivell are neither very bitter nor very sweet and have the perfect balance of complex flavors.

Additionally, both are very pleasant on the palate and have a fruity touch with sensations of almonds, artichokes, and walnuts.

EVOO or Argudell Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Empordà

It is worth noting that Argudell EVOO, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Empordà, has several varieties. Among them are the following specific varieties:

• Argudell extra virgin olive oil from Empordà. Also known as Argudell variety oil.
• EVOO from Alt Empordà or Alto Ampurdán. Extra virgin olive oil from Alt Empordà.
• Flavored Argudell EVOO. With aromas of almond and anise.

In short, the privileged combination of geography and climate, together with the cold northern wind known as tramontana, gives the olive oil cultivated in the area such a special and distinct character that Empordà oil is considered one of the best olive oils in Spain.

We hope to have revealed a couple of secrets and things you might not have known about this very special Argudell extra virgin olive oil from Empordà.

Creds: Club Delicatessen