Aix & Terra Black Truffle Oil Review

DISCLOSURE -THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Kat Harrison
This week, I have mostly been cooking with the French black truffle flavoured olive oil from Aix and Terra, it’s been a real treat. No wonder it’s one of the company’s most popular products.
Black truffle oil can be used to add a fragrant, delicious flavour to many different foods. My first adventure was cooking my own hand cut oven chips drizzled in the luxurious oil. I can confirm they were mouth-wateringly good. As soon as I popped open the bottle, I was drawn in by an intense and intriguing aroma and the taste would only supersede this.
The use of truffle oil rather than olive or vegetable oil, added a distinct yet delicate feel and turned my standard tasty chips into delectable, restaurant worthy chips. The taste is distinctive but somewhat difficult to describe; I’ll say earthy, nutty and a little bit garlicky. It’s this intense flavour that makes the oil delicious and scream luxury – it’s a Chef’s Champagne.
Inspired by a love for authentic flavours, Richard and Marina Alibert teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Julien Allano and collaborated with local producers in their home of Provence, to establish Aix & Terra.
This exquisite oil that has elevated many of our meals this week, is made from a black truffle from Périgord and a mild extra virgin olive oil from Nyons in France, a region known for its vineyards and olive groves.
It’s said that cooking with black truffle oil can upset its unique flavour but that wasn’t so with my chips. It’s often used as a finishing oil and my family have certainly enjoyed the addition of black truffle oil this week. Just a few drops in our favourite risotto just before serving made a flavourful difference and the oil drizzled lightly over a side salad transformed the leaves into a delicious dish in its own right.
If you’re a fan of comfort food, you can add a touch of luxury to favourites like pizza (the oil went exceptionally well with ham and mushroom), mac and cheese and even your Roast Dinner. Add a dash to your meat or roast your parsnips or potatoes with a splash.
Black truffle oil is a great thing to have in your cupboard. Just when you think you might be on for a boring meal, the remedy could be there, sat on the shelf. A drizzle here and there is all it takes so the oil will last and it keeps a good while too.
The oil arrives in a beautiful bottle, packaged in a box that immediately sets it up as a perfect gift, as well as a kitchen staple. It would make for a lovely present for the foodie in your life or a bottle with a difference for you to take to a dinner party.
This product won a star from the Great Taste Awards organised by the Guild of Fine Foods in 2022, and it wins a four star review from me.
Truffle oil is expensive because the flavour is sought after and truffles are rare. It’s the basic supply and demand situation that elevates its price, but everyone needs a little luxury in their life, and if you or someone you know enjoys food, then this is the perfect addition to the kitchen cupboard.
Four out of five stars
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £29.50 for 200ml
For more information or to buy, visit www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk.