Picholine Olive Oil “Les Tannes en Occitanie”  in the Prestigious Flos Olei 2026

French olive oil continues to make its mark on the global stage, with another milestone achieved this year. The Picholine olive oil from Les Tannes en Occitanie, crafted by Domaines Paul Mas in the Hérault region, has been distinguished in the Flos Olei 2026 guide—one of the world’s leading authorities on exceptional extra-virgin olive oils.

This recognition stands as a strong endorsement, highlighting the excellence of this single-varietal, artisanal Occitan olive oil and celebrating years of meticulous, passionate craftsmanship.

Flos Olei 2026: a global benchmark and an exceptional distinction

Often described as the “Michelin Guide for olive oil,” Flos Olei evaluates thousands of samples from around the world each year through blind tastings conducted by expert panels. Being selected for inclusion in the guide already represents a strong mark of quality and places an olive oil among an elite international selection.

The oils highlighted in Flos Olei stand out for:

• outstanding aromatic balance,

• authentic fruit expression,

• refined texture and mouthfeel,

• the purity and intensity characteristic of top-tier olive oils.

This recognition positions the Les Tannes Picholine among the olive oils acknowledged on the international stage and highlights the growing excellence of French olive oil production.

A Remarkable Terroir: Occitanie, Heartland of Mediterranean Flavour

Set in sun-drenched Montagnac in the Hérault, the olive groves of Domaines Paul Mas benefit from a distinctive landscape: limestone soils, hot summers, and cooling marine breezes. These conditions help the olives develop rich aromas and high levels of natural antioxidants.

This Mediterranean character runs through the entire Les Tannes en Occitanie range, with the Picholine standing out as one of its most accomplished expressions.

Picholine: a characterful variety celebrated for its authenticity

Among the different cultivars grown on the estate, the Picholine holds a special place. This 100% monovarietal olive oil fully expresses the defining characteristics of the Languedoc’s iconic variety:

• intense fruitiness,

• pronounced herbal notes,

• gentle, refined bitterness,

• a clean, elegant peppery finish.

This vibrant yet perfectly balanced aromatic profile is precisely what captivated the Flos Olei tasting panel and earned the oil its place within this demanding international selection.

Artisanal Methods, Precision Craftsmanship

Such quality is no accident. The oil is the product of strict, thoughtful production methods designed to protect the fruit’s integrity and elevate its potential:

• Selective manual or mechanical harvest from late September to November

• Cold extraction using only mechanical processes

• Carefully controlled filtration to preserve aromas and nutrients

• Milling directly on the estate for maximum freshness and traceability

Flos Olei places strong emphasis on technical mastery, and this score reflects the domain’s commitment to excellence at every stage.

Why recognition in Flos Olei truly matters

The Flos Olei selection process is built on particularly rigorous standards. Only extra-virgin olive oils meeting the highest quality criteria are highlighted. The tasting panel recognizes oils that demonstrate:

• a strong and distinctive aromatic identity,

• perfect harmony between bitterness and pungency,

• a genuine expression of terroir,

• a long, elegant finish.

Being featured in this selection allows the Les Tannes Picholine to:

• stand out on the international stage,

• position itself among benchmark olive oils,

• confirm its legitimacy within demanding gastronomic circles,

• showcase the strength of Occitan olive-growing know-how.

For both consumers and professionals, recognition in the guide serves as a clear and reliable indicator of quality.

How to Enjoy It: Bringing Picholine Into Your Kitchen

This award-winning oil deserves pride of place on your table. It shines particularly well:

A Tribute to Terroir and Craftsmanship

The distinction awarded in the Flos Olei 2026 guide represents far more than a simple evaluation. It recognizes an exceptional olive oil, the expression of a unique terroir, and the dedication of the team behind it.

This recognition confirms that the Picholine from Les Tannes en Occitanie now stands among the essential references of French olive oil, appreciated for both its authenticity and its aromatic elegance.

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