There are moments when a piece of news makes you pause for a second and smile calmly. Learning that Argudell extra virgin olive oil has been recognized, for the second consecutive year, with the Small Producer Award for the Best Green Fruity Bitter Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil at the Fira de les Borges Blanques, is one of those moments. Not only because of the joy of the award itself, but because of everything behind this recognition. This award would not be possible without the dedicated work of Joel and his colleagues, who day after day care for the olive groves, decide when to harvest the olives, and ensure that every bottle reflects the highest quality. They are the soul behind Argudell, and this award is also a recognition of their passion and perseverance.
When we talk about an organic extra virgin olive oil, we often think of the final product: the intense taste, the green color, the fresh aroma. But this award does not only speak of the result, but of the journey. A journey made of respect for the land, brave decisions, and a way of working that does not seek large volumes, but excellence and consistency. The Argudell variety is part of the identity of our landscape. It is a demanding olive, with character, that produces a green fruity oil, with balanced bitterness and pungency, that leaves no one indifferent. It is not an "easy" oil, and precisely therein lies its strength.
Receiving this award in Borges Blanques, and doing so for the second year in a row, has special value. It is the recognition of a sector that knows all the effort involved in producing a high-quality organic oil as a small producer. Every decision counts: when to harvest, how to work the field, how to respect natural times, how to prioritize quality over quantity.
From my perspective, this double recognition reinforces an idea that I always try to convey to customers: behind every bottle there is much more than a gourmet product. There is a way of understanding agriculture, a deep relationship with the land, and a clear commitment to doing things well, year after year, thanks to the commitment of Joel and his colleagues.
When I talk about this oil, I don't just talk about tasting notes or pairings. I talk about small productions, patiently cared for fields, the decision to go organic when it wasn't the easiest path. And this award, won twice in a row, makes all of this even more visible and tangible. The most beautiful thing is to see how this recognition generates curiosity and excitement in those who discover it. Customers who ask, who want to understand why this oil is different, who appreciate that it is a small project but with a very clear identity. It is here that the award transforms into a tool to continue telling stories and connecting people with projects that have a soul.
To continue defending small producers, local varieties, and oils that tell the story of a specific place in the world. Because when an oil like Argudell wins this award two years in a row, it's not just a product that's recognized: it's a way of doing things that's recognized.
And that, without a doubt, is the most valuable recognition.
