Each year, the Jaén Selección award recognizes the best Extra Virgin Olive Oils (EVOO) of the season.
The Jaén Selección distinction was created by the Provincial Council of Jaén to promote, market, and encourage the consumption of oils from the province, as well as to motivate producers to achieve high-quality oils. More than thirty brands have received this seal from the over 600 oils submitted, which determines each year the eight Jaén EVOOs from Jaén that form part of the Olive Oil Promotion Plan, participating in gastronomic events and promotional activities. The contest began in 2006 with 22 oils and reached 62 in the latest edition, with 34 winners over the 13 previous editions, some earning repeated awards.
In the most recent edition, 68 EVOOs were submitted (51 conventional and 17 organic) from 37 municipalities across all Jaén regions. Cooperatives submitted 41% of the oils.
To qualify, each producer must submit a homogeneous batch of at least 5,000 liters (3,000 liters for organic oils). This year, the tasting was moved forward to December to start promotional actions earlier.
On December 14, the eight selected oils were announced: seven from traditional or integrated cultivation and one organic, all of the Picual variety, chosen through a blind tasting.
EVOOs from Traditional or Integrated Cultivation:
- Bravoleum Selección Especial Picual – Aceites Hacienda el Palo (Villargordo)
- Castillo de Canena Reserva Familiar Picual – Castillo de Canena Olive Juice (Canena)
- Dominus Cosecha Temprana – Monva (Mancha Real)
- Maquiz Picual – Aceites de Maquiz (Mengíbar)
- Oro Bailén Picual – Aceites Oro Bailén Galgón 99 (Villanueva de la Reina)
- Picualia Premium Reserva Picual – Agrícola de Bailén Virgen de Zocueca (Bailén)
- Pradolivo Cosecha Temprana Picual – Aceites Perales (Baeza)
Organic EVOO:
- UnOlivo Ecológico Picual – Nuevos Espacios (Alcalá la Real)
Jaén Selección 2019 Winners
- Bravoleum - Selección Especial - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Castillo de Canena - Reserva Familiar - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Dominus - Cosecha Temprana - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Maquiz - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Oro Bailén - Reserva Familiar - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Picualia - Reserva - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- Pradolivo - Cosecha Temprana - Picual - 500ml Bottle
- UnOlivo - Organic - Picual - 500ml Bottle
The presentation congratulated the winners and the 68 participating EVOOs for their commitment to quality, a key element in Jaén’s economy and culture.
The tasting panel was chaired by Brígida Jiménez (IFAPA Cabra) and included experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Instituto de la Grasa, DO Priego, Citoliva, and other national and international specialized organizations.
Promotional Agenda for Selected EVOOs
Following the selection, a promotional plan is implemented, featuring participation in events such as Fitur, Madrid Fusión, World Olive Oil Exhibition, Salón del Gourmet, among others.
During the XVI International Olive Oil Cooking Award “Jaén, Paraíso Interior,” held on April 10, 12 chefs prepared recipes using the selected oils. The first prize was €8,000, the second €3,000, and the third €1,000.
Promotion continues at fairs such as Expoliva, Organic Food Iberia, San Sebastián Gastronómica, the First Oil Festival, and international events like The 50 Best or the Michelin Gala, where oils are delivered to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Visits by influencers and key buyers are organized for these premium oils, with additional promotional activities planned throughout the year.
Want to try them? In our store, you can find all the Jaén Selección award winners. Discover the Jaén Selección 2019 Pack with all the awarded oils.
