Rose's Shop Watch-September '15: Alziari Olive Oil

Alziari Olive Oil

Waitrose

What?
Nicolas Alziari olive oil.

Why?
a legendary olive oil.

This amazing oil is not only one of the best extra-virgin olive oils in the world, but it has the best packaging of any food product that I know.

First the oil: Nicolas Alziari oil is made from a blend of rare varieties of olives cultivated in Europe, but especially from the olives grown on their estate on the hills surrounding Nice. The oil is made by cold extraction “ a method that preserves the exquisitely mellow and buttery flavour”. The recipe for the blend of the oil has been kept a closely guarded secret for more than 100 years. Their approach to making the oil is more akin to that of wine making. The company have the only remaining mill to be still working in the city of Nice and they have a shop in the old town, near Cours Saleya (where the flower market is held), and you can take an empty bottle or demi-john there and get it filled up with oil. Although the company makes and sells different oils in their shop, it is the soft fruity variety that is sold in Waitrose. Alziari describe this oil in wine terms: as a grand cru with the smell being of almond and the taste of artichoke and almond. They also say on the tin that it is "the choice of discriminating chefs"!

But the oil is not only legendary for its delicious taste, it is also famous for its packaging. The oil is sold in the most beautiful blue can with a yellow cap – the colours used are so evocative of the Mediterranean. I can’t ever throw an empty can away until I can replace it - it’s part of my kitchen design. I believe that every kitchen should have one.

Conclusion:
Worth it for the can alone.

Product Details:
Nicolas Alziari olive oil
500ml
£15.50

Contact:
Waitrose
Web: waitrose.com
Tel: 0800 188 884
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