MIAMI, April 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lucini Italia is proud to announce that not one, but two Lucini® extra virgin olive oils were awarded a gold medal at the second annual New York International Olive Oil Competition. Lucini Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil® and Founders Reserve Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil® were honored in the medium intensity and robust intensity categories respectfully.

Considered to be one of the most elite olive oil competitions in the world, the NYIOOC boasted 651 extra virgin olive oils from 25 countries worldwide. The oils were rated by an international expert panel of esteemed judges in a double blind tasting who rated each oil's fruitiness, pungency and bitterness while noting any defects that are not allowed in extra virgin olive oil by law.

The judges noted the "exceptional harmony" and "high complexity" of both Lucini oils, highlighting their aromatic and taste profiles. Lucini is one of the few recognizable and widely available oils in the US that received awards in the competition. "We are extremely honored and proud of this recognition," said David Neuman, president of Lucini. "This is a testament to our mission that began over 17 years ago; producing only the best extra virgin olive oil and making it accessible to the American consumer."

Curtis Cord, president of the NYIOOC, prefaced the medal announcement by recognizing all of the participants: "Many of these producers will not win an award today. It does not mean their olive oil is bad. It simply means that on this day, it did not score well enough with our international panel of judges to be placed at the top," Cord said.  Lucini was not one of those producers.

Harvested near Bolgheri, Tuscany in early November to preserve the full flavor and peak health properties, the 100% Italian olives used in Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil are handpicked and crushed within 24 hours. Renowned for its Tuscan taste profile, the oil is full-bodied and green, with hints of apple, herbs, almond and a peppery finish. A consumer and celebrity chef favorite, it is the best-selling extra virgin olive oil over $10 in the United States.

Founders Reserve Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil originates in Montenero d'Orcia, Tuscany, at the estate of the renowned and award-winning Frantoio Franci. Two estate-grown olive varieties, Frantoio and Olivastra Seggianese, are picked by hand and pressed within twelve hours, capturing the coveted flavor only found in the best, fresh olive fruit. The oil is abundantly green in both aroma and taste, with notes of spice and cinnamon and a strong peppery finish. Less than 5,000 bottles were produced of this very special oil.

This is the second NYIOOC win for Lucini. Lucini Limited Reserve® Premium Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil® received a gold medal in the 2013 competition. For more information on the New York International Olive Oil Competition visit http://www.bestoliveoils.com. To learn more about Lucini Italia visit www.lucini.com.

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SOURCE Lucini Italia