Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Coratina earned Gold and Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Leccino took Silver at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition.
Olive Oil Times |
Northern Puglia, Italy — I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria has been awarded a Gold at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition for Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Coratina.
In the same edition, I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria also earned a Silver Award for Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Leccino, underscoring the breadth of its monovarietal range. The Gold-winning Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Coratina is a medium-intensity extra virgin olive oil made exclusively from Coratina olives, while Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Leccino is a delicate extra virgin olive oil produced from Leccino olives.
Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Coratina moves with a distinctly fresh, green character, opening with eucalyptus tones and a brisk, leafy impression reminiscent of arugula and cut grass. On the palate, Pavoni Masseria Fortificata Coratina builds toward black pepper and a bitter almond note that lingers, shaping a medium profile typical of carefully milled Coratina when aromatic lift and structure are balanced.
I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria produces its oils at Masseria Fortificata Pavoni, set on a small hill overlooking an unspoiled plain in northern Puglia. The landscape, described by the producer as once lying at the bottom of the sea, frames an olive-growing area where attention to fruit handling remains central to quality. I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria attributes the antioxidant levels in its olive oil to the extra care given to each olive.
The 2026 results add to a long-standing record at the competition for I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria. Across its full NYIOOC history, I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria has won 17 awards: 12 Gold and five Silver, including multiple-award years such as 2025, when the producer secured two Gold Awards and one Silver Award.
The dual recognition also strengthened I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria’s standing in the Olive Oil Times World Ranking, where I Pavoni Sas di Mercaldi Maria is ranked #10 in Italy, #41 in the Northern Hemisphere and #42 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.