Founder · Professional taster
Mercedes Uceda
de la Maza
Biologist, professional taster and founder of Molino & Cata. Has advised on more than 180 international olive oil awards, trains tasters at the University of Jaén and UNIA, and personally selects every oil in our oleoteca.
Education
Biology
UGR, 2006
Specialisation
Tasting Expert
UJA
Jury
Head-panel taster
Evooleum · LA IOOC
Awards advised
180+
international
Selection
300+
samples / harvest
Teaching
Professor
UJA · UNIA
Biologist, taster, educator
Mercedes Uceda is a certified professional taster of extra virgin olive oil and the soul of Molino & Cata. Her passion for quality EVOO led her to found an oleoteca where every oil that enters has passed through her nose and palate.
No shortcuts. Mercedes personally visits the mills, tastes each harvest and selects only the oils that meet her demanding standard.
Head-panel taster at international competitions
Mercedes is head-panel taster at Evooleum, Ovibeja, Los Angeles IOOC and Premios Alcuza (DO Sierra Mágina).
180+ international awards
As Quality Director at IADA Ingenieros, Mercedes advised dozens of mills. Result: more than 180 international awards.
Press and appearances
In the media
Podcast and video
Interviews and press
Teaching and training
Academic
Publications and research
Domene, M.A.; Aguilera Zurano, J.M.; Uceda de la Maza, M.M. et al. (2011). «Nuevas soluciones para la restauración ambiental en zonas áridas». Cuaderno Interdisciplinar de Desarrollo Sostenible, N.º 6, págs. 89–118.
Dialnet →Uceda Ojeda, M. & Uceda de la Maza, M.M. (2013). «Composición y calidad de los aceites de oliva vírgenes. Influencia de la variedad». El olivar y su aceite, ISBN 978-84-938900-4-9, págs. 479–500.
Dialnet →Research in the press
Experiences
Tastings and experiences
Mercedes personally leads every Molino & Cata experience: guided tastings, masterclasses, food pairings and private events. In four languages. Every session is an opportunity to discover the world of olive oil from someone who knows it best.