Aerial view of the Gulin family olive grove in Jadrija, Sibenik region
Note: Sv Nikola Fortress at the entrance of the Sibenik canal, top right of this image
We are proud to know Vinko Gulin, who in May 2011 was the recipient of the Biol International Award for his multi-award winning olive oil. This means the best olive oil in the world comes from his olive grove in Jadrija, situated on the Sibenik canal, just outside of Vodice (where Mr Gulin himself resides), and not from Tuscany or Istria, which also makes us proud!
This region, specifically Sibenik, Skradin and Vodice, is renowned for producing some of the best organic, extra virgin olive oil in all of Croatia, and these boutique producers do well on the world stage also. Some lovely wines also come from the region; the areas of Skradin, the island Zlarin and Primosten produce some amazing wines now also gaining recognition outside of Croatia.
Not only did Mr Gulin receive a gold medal for his extra virgin, organic oil, which he markets as "Golden Oil" (or Zlatno Ulje), he received first prize for the labelling and packaging as well. The Gulin family have received many awards for their oil and packaging since 2008.
This year there were 380 entrants from around the world, with only 18 oils receiving awards and noteworthy mentions. The packaging designs were narrowed down to 12, with judges looking at aesthetics, innovation and functionality, as well as label compliance and adherence to ethical information. Zlatno Ulje's packaging and label design was inspired by the traditional colours and ethnic motif that represents Sibenik, and won on simplicity, elegance, colour choice and adherence to tradition.
The Gulin olive grove contains 1,050 trees on 4.5 hectares of land situated on a sea front property, and ecological manure and compost as well as irrigation are used in farming. The Gulin Family's olive grove is also registered on the Producers of Ecological Products Register (number 507). The olive trees are aged from four to 16 years, and the varietals consist of: the indigenous variety Oblica (70%), Frantonio (15 %), Leccino (5%), Nocelara del Belice (5%) and Escolana tenera (5%).
The olives are hand-picked at the beginning of October and processed on the same day, resulting in the high quality, extra virgin olive oil. "Zlatno Ulje" extra-virgin olive oil yields a golden-yellow colour and an intense aroma of olive fruit. Tasting notes are: moderately sharp, intensity of aroma and undertones of spice. The unique balance this oil has on the nose and the palate renders its value priceless in Mediterranean gastronomy.
This is a great image - the olive grove is visible on the coastline, bottom of the photo;
Sv Nikola Fortress top right at the entrance of the Sibenik canal, and in the background through
the canal the city of Sibenik is visible, sprawled along the channel of Sv Ante (St Anthony)
Note also of interest in these aerial images, the ancient dry stone walls!
Email: info.holidayscroatia@gmail.com for more information, or if you'ld like to visit or find out how to purchase this Golden Oil.
http://holidaycroatia.blogspot.com/2011/06/international-award-winning-olive-oil.html
