Olives New Zealand

from Hawke’s Bay Today

It seems there’s nothing like a spot of red wine … if you are a growing olive tree.

For award-winning Hawke’s Bay olive oil producers Bob Marshall and Shona Thompson, location means a lot when it comes to creating fine oils.

Their “Aquiferra” blends took out three awards at the recent 2010 Hawke’s Bay Olive Oil Awards – including the prestigious “Best in Show” title.

“Yes, we’re pretty chuffed,” Mr Marshall said today as he reflected on the awards dinner at the Three Doors Up restaurant in Ahuriri.

“We produce some very special olive oils, but to win against some of these [others in the awards] is very special.”

The couple have been growing olives on their Maraekakaho property for about five years, and have 650 trees. The location, Mr Marshall said, was close to perfect.

“We are surrounded by the best red wine grapes in New Zealand – and olives do very well among red wine grapes.”

They grow two Tuscan varieties, a Spanish variety and a Greek variety, and when it comes to harvesting, the event is very Mediterranean.

“It’s fun. We have great harvest parties,” Mr Marshall said.

The oil is pressed at the Village Press and is not filtered – rather it is set aside for three months for the sediment to settle, and then bottled.

WINNERS

Silver Boutique: Lyonmark Estate, Pathway.

Best in Class-Boutique: Lyonmark Estate, Pathway.

Bronze Commercial: The Village Press, Manzanillo.

Silver Commercial: Esk Valley Olives, Late Harvest Blend; Telegraph Hill, Leccino; Waimarama Olives, Barnea Blend; Waimarama Olives, Picual Blend.

Gold Commercial: Aquiferra, Medium Blend.

Best in Class-Commercial: Aquiferra, Medium Blend.Best in Show: Aquiferra, Medium Blend.