Newsletter December 2009

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Leontyna wins Gold and judged BEST oil in show at the Mornington Peninsula Olive Associations Olive Oil Competition

Press Release: 29/8/2009: 

Extravirgin Olive Oil   comes of age on the Mornington Peninsula

Maritime Cool Climate Olives set the benchmark

Mornington Peninsula Olive Association has confirmed the Peninsula as one of the premier Olive production regions in the country. 16 of 18 EVOO entries received a Bronze Medal or better at the inaugural Extravirgin Olive Oil and Table Olive competition . The   celebratory awards dinner was held at Paringa Estate, Red Hill on Saturday 29/8/2009.The competition was open to all olive groves  in the Mornington Peninsula shire and was independently judged by three of Australia’s most eminent  and internationally accredited judges  headed by  Richard Gawel from South Australia. Oils were subjected to full biochemical  analysis  by Modern Olives ( Victoria) and organoleptic (sensory) evaluation.

The results were consistent with those achieved by Mornington Peninsula  Oils in the last three years at national olive oil competitions. Although the MP does not yet produce large quantities of olive oil,   it has won acclaim for quality far exceeding its relative production levels. The judging panel summarized the results as outstanding.

The panel   awarded  two gold awards together with  a number of silver &  bronze awards  in the olive oil section and an outstanding merit certificate in the table olive section.

In conveying the assessment of the tasting panel  Richard Gawel commented on the brilliant freshness, taste and useability of Mornington Peninsula Extra Virgin Olive Oils.

He also made reference to the outstanding biochemical characteristics of the oils, and the role that this is increasingly playing as a marker of the health benefits and quality of  extravirgin olive oil.

The best oil of the show  for 2009 ( and inaugural  ‘Primo de situ’ or ‘best of the region’) was awarded to one  of the  gold medallists ( Leontyna Estate ) for an outstanding  Picual/Koroneiki blend.   The award was presented by MP Shire Economic Development Officer, Mr Shane Murphy. In accepting the award, Jill and Julian Barson acknowledged the dedication of  their manager, Mr Ashley Andrews in the success.

(Picture L to R) Shane Murphy, Jill Barson, Julian Barson Ashley Andrews

The other gold medal winner ( Oil makers and growers  Peta  and Ralph Zito of Victorian Olive Groves)  received  their  principal award for a  stunning single varietal Koroneiki  together with several other awards.

The presentation dinner  was  co-ordinated and hosted by Jill Barson and  highlighted  a brilliant menu enhanced by the  award winning oils  and complemented by  the fine wines of Paringa Estate.

The co-president of the MPOA ( Assoc Prof Graeme Hart)  launched the regional appellation and accreditation  process for Mornington Peninsula Oils. This Geographic Indicator (GI) program establishes a quality framework that ensures consumers that olive oils bearing the MP GI logo are verified to be from the Peninsula and that the oils will therefore have the special characteristics for which the MP is becoming known. These Maritime Cool Climate Olives and Olive Oils display high antioxidant and flavour characteristics.

The benefits of co-operation with vignerons,  regional gourmet  societies and a supportive potential role for  local government were  highlighted  by different speakers.
Graeme Hart, together with Julian Barson ( MPOA webmaster) also  launched the Mornington Peninsula  Olive Association  website ( www.mpoa.com.au)   with its distinctive logo  and maritime theme. This new site will become an integral link  for MP regional producers, feature Mornington Olive Products and is an information resource for the public. The public area includes information on olive oil, health information, links to members web sites and information for prospective new members.
The full results of the 2009 competition will be available on the website.
The future looks bright for Olives to join other  to join and enhance others premium foods produced in Australia’s   premier maritime region , The Mornington Peninsula.