Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai Wins 2026 NYIOOC Gold for A1980

Tuscia, Italy — Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for the A1980 brand.

A1980 is an extra virgin olive oil of medium intensity, crafted from Frantoio, Moraiolo and Caninese olives. The oil is distinguished by a fresh herbal character, layered with almond tones, red-fruit notes and a steady peppery bite that builds on the finish.

Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai is rooted in Tuscia, where Alessandra Nicolai has shaped her work around a personal turning point that brought her from a different life into agriculture. “I never imagined that my life would be in the countryside.,” said Alessandra Nicolai, owner of Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai. “I never imagined that one day the question "what do you do?" would yield the answer "make olive oil."”

Nicolai, born on October 21, 1980, has tied the identity of A1980 to family memory and a sense of place. “I am Alessandra Nicolai.,” said Alessandra Nicolai, owner of Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai. “I was born on October 21, 1980, and my grandmother told me that she picked the largest bunch of grapes she had ever seen on the day of my birth. Maybe that was a sign. I could not be happier. The countryside and the olive trees gave me a new life.”

The 2026 Gold adds to a consistent NYIOOC record for Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai, which has earned six Gold Awards overall. The producer secured a Gold each year from 2021 through 2025, bringing the total to six Golds and zero Silvers at the competition.

The award also strengthens Azienda Agricola Alessandra Nicolai’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where the producer is ranked #29 in Italy, #68 in the Northern Hemisphere and #72 Worldwide.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, widely regarded as the world's leading olive oil quality contest, is a trusted reference for consumers and industry professionals.