Extra virgin olive oil is one of the most iconic and highly valued products in Spanish cuisine. Much of its international prestige lies in the Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), which guarantee its quality and authenticity.
In Europe, there are 113 designations of origin for extra virgin olive oil, 30 of which are in Spain. We explore what lies behind the idea of origin—soil, altitude, variety—in varieties and terroir.
What are Protected Designations of Origin (PDO)?
PDOs recognize oils whose production, processing, and characteristics are directly linked to a specific geographical area. Spain currently has 30 PDO extra virgin olive oils, with the regions of Andalusia, Catalonia, and Castilla-La Mancha being particularly notable.
Andalusia is the autonomous community with the highest number of PDOs, among which the Priego de Córdoba PDO stands out. It is known for oils made mainly from Picudo, Picual, and Hojiblanca varieties, characterized by intense fruity aromas and balanced bitter and spicy notes. Many of them are early-harvest.
Another notable designation is the Sierra Mágina PDO, located in Jaén, which specializes mainly in Picual monovarietal oils that are intense in flavor and very rich in antioxidants.
In Catalonia, the Les Garrigues PDO, located in Lleida, was the country's first designation of origin recognized for olive oil. Its oils, predominantly Arbequina, are highly prized for their smoothness, sweetness, and light fruity notes, making them ideal for delicate dishes and pastries.
Another notable Catalan designation is Siurana, which protects oils produced in Tarragona. These are also made mainly from Arbequina, but with slight sensory differences derived from the specific climate and soil of this region.
Castilla-La Mancha, for its part, has the Montes de Toledo PDO, which exclusively protects Cornicabra variety oils. This oil is recognized for its medium-high, persistent fruity flavor and exceptional balance between bitterness and spiciness, providing stability and a long shelf life.
The Campo de Montiel PDO also stands out, protecting oils that are mainly Picual and Cornicabra, with intense and balanced organoleptic profiles.
Extremadura has the Gata-Hurdes PDO, which protects oils made in northern Cáceres with native varieties such as Manzanilla Cacereña, offering a smooth, balanced oil with notes of green apple and a light sweet touch. This designation stands out for preserving traditional and sustainable agricultural practices.
What are Protected Geographical Indications?
Protected Geographical Indications (PGI), although fewer in number, also play an important role in certifying the quality and origin of extra virgin olive oils in Spain.
Among them stands the Jaén Oil PGI, which protects oils produced throughout the province of Jaén, mainly from the Picual variety, although it also allows other local varieties such as Royal, Manzanilla, or Arbequina. These oils are characterized by their high stability and richness in natural antioxidants.
Another notable PGI is Oli d'Eivissa/Ibiza Oil, which protects oils made on this Balearic island, mainly from Arbequina, Picual, and Koroneiki varieties. These oils feature smooth, balanced sensory profiles with fruity nuances characteristic of the island Mediterranean climate.
The value behind Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications
These quality designations have a positive impact not only on consumer perception but also on the economic and environmental development of their respective regions. PDOs and PGIs promote traditional and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the conservation of the landscape, biodiversity, and local cultures.
For consumers, purchasing oils with PDO or PGI certification guarantees quality, authenticity, and transparency. The labels provide essential information such as the olive variety, the specific geographical area, and the production methods used, helping consumers make informed decisions.
In addition, designations and geographical indications promote gastronomic tourism by offering unique experiences related to local olive oil culture.
Each region, through events, gastronomic routes, and guided tastings, seeks to spread knowledge about extra virgin olive oil and highlight its peculiarities and health benefits.
PDOs and PGIs play a key role in preserving the richness, diversity, and exceptional quality of Spanish extra virgin olive oil. Supporting certified products not only ensures gastronomic and health benefits but also helps keep alive the agricultural traditions that make the Spanish olive oil sector unique.
Map of designations of origin in el Orden Mundial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many designations of origin for olive oil are there in Europe and Spain?
In Europe, there are 113 designations of origin for extra virgin olive oil. Spain has 30, the highest concentration on the continent. Andalusia leads with the highest number, followed by Catalonia and Castilla-La Mancha. Each designation protects specific varieties, geographical areas, and production methods that guarantee the oil's authenticity.
What is the difference between a PDO and a PGI for olive oil?
In a PDO, the entire process—production, processing, and bottling—takes place in the delimited geographical area. In a PGI, Protected Geographical Indication, at least one stage of the process is carried out in the area. The PDO is more restrictive and requires a stronger link to the territory. Both guarantee traceability and control, but the PDO implies a complete connection to the place of origin.
What was the first designation of origin for olive oil in Spain?
The Les Garrigues PDO in Lleida, Catalonia, was the first recognized in Spain for olive oil. Its oils are predominantly from the Arbequina variety: smooth, sweet, and with light fruity notes. It is a historic designation that proved that Spanish olive oil deserved the same protection of origin as wine.
Which designation of origin produces the most awarded oils?
The Priego de Córdoba PDO stands out with two world-renowned examples: Rincón de la Subbética, the extra virgin olive oil with the most international awards in history, and Parqueoliva Serie Oro. The Sierra Mágina PDO in Jaén also stands out, with intense Picual oils that are very rich in antioxidants. But there are 30 designations, and in each you can find exceptional oils with their own distinctive character.