Frantoio Franci Villa Magra Grand Cru Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml 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 Fiona Jones
https://www.artisanoliveoilcompany.co.uk/
I will start this review with a disclaimer that I am no olive oil expert, however, as a big fan of the Mediterranean diet, I do love a drizzle of olive oil on my pasta or salad, or a big glug with balsamic vinegar and a chunk of ciabatta. I was therefore really excited to try this award-winning olive oil.
The olive oil comes in a sturdy glass bottle, which was individually numbered. It was well packaged, ensuring that it did not break in transit. The design of the bottle is simple yet effective: a sleek black bottle with a red stamp. Also wrapped around the bottle’s neck is a cardboard cut out listing some of the many awards that this olive oil has won.
The Villa Magra Grand Cru is the flagship premium extra virgin olive oil of Frantoio Franci, and it ranks as one of the most awarded oils in the world over the past decade. Its first international award came over 20 years ago in June 2003, and its latest was a maximum score of 100 points in the Flos Olei 2024 (the annual olive oil test that summarises the 500 best olive oils in one guide). As you can see from the tag on the bottle, it also achieved the maximum score here in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. So before you even open the bottle, you know that you are going to be consuming something of the very best quality.
On pouring the olive oil out of the bottle, the high quality is also clear. The oil is satisfyingly thick and it is vibrant in colour. The aroma of the olive oil also hits immediately: it is earthy, intense and fresh.
I tried the olive oil both with balsamic vinegar and crusty bread, and drizzled over a pasta dish. As the flavour is so intense, I found it a little strong on its own with bread, but it was nice when paired with the classic companion of balsamic vinegar. Combined with the pasta, it really added a lovely extra flavour. Its taste is powerful, with a strong mixture of fresh-vegetable and aromatic flavours.
Recommendations for the olive oil are with vegetable soups, red meats, fish, fresh cheeses, ricotta, tortillas, spinach, rice and pasta. So it is truly versatile, and I look forward to trying it with more of these suggested dishes.
The olive oil is produced by Frantoio Franci, one of Italy’s most renowned olive oil producers. The farm, based near Montalcino, where it is produced is currently being managed by Giorgio Franci, who took over from his father Fernando. They produce a range of different olive oils, from delicate to intense, so if this is not the olive oil for you, there may be another one of theirs that you can try!
I would recommend purchasing this olive oil either for yourself, or as a gift for any occasion for one of your ‘foodie’ friends or family members. The flavour is strong so it is not for everyone’s taste, but the quality of it is obvious.
Rating: 4/5
Frantoio Franci Villa Magra Grand Cru Extra Virgin Olive Oil 250ml is available to purchase from The Artisan Olive Oil Company here.
RRP: £24.50