Picholine Olive Oil “Les Tannes en Occitanie” Scores 83/100 in the Prestigious Flos Olei 2026

Exclusivité nouvelles variété d'huile d'Olives

French olive oil is making its mark on the global stage, and this year brings another milestone. The Picholine olive oil from Les Tannes en Occitanie, crafted by Domaines Paul Mas in the Hérault region, has secured an impressive 83/100 in the Flos Olei 2026 guide—one of the world’s leading authorities on exceptional extra-virgin olive oils.

The rating is a powerful endorsement, highlighting the excellence of this single-variety, artisanal Occitan olive oil and celebrating years of meticulous, passionate work.

Flos Olei 2026: A Global Benchmark and an Exceptional Score

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. Just being included in the guide is a mark of quality; scoring in the 80s places an oil among the finest.

An 83/100 rating signals an oil with:

  • Outstanding aromatic balance

  • Authentic fruit expression

  • Refined texture and mouthfeel

  • The purity and intensity found in top-tier oils

This score positions the Les Tannes Picholine among the top internationally recognized oils, shining a light on the rising quality of French olive-growing.

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 oil embodies the hallmarks of the Languedoc’s iconic variety:

  • Intense fruitiness

  • Pronounced herbal notes

  • Gentle, refined bitterness

  • A clean, elegant peppery finish

This vibrant yet perfectly balanced profile is precisely what captivated the Flos Olei tasting panel, earning it the distinguished score of 83

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 an 83/100 Rating Really Matters

In the Flos Olei system, anything above 80 represents olive oil of the highest standard—reserved for bottles that deliver:

  • A strong and distinctive aromatic identity

  • Perfect harmony between bitterness and pungency

  • A genuine expression of terroir

  • A long, elegant finish

At 83/100, the Les Tannes Picholine:

  • Stands out on the international scene

  • Outperforms the majority of oils submitted

  • Validates its place in gastronomic circles

  • Highlights the strength of Occitan olive-growing know-how

For consumers and professionals alike, the guide’s seal of approval serves as a clear guarantee 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:

Over summer salads

a simple drizzle elevates tomatoes, burrata, and basil.

With grilled fish

its intense fruitiness pairs beautifully with white fish or seafood.

On bruschetta

grilled bread, garlic, fresh tomato—and the oil’s herbal finesse does the rest.

With roasted vegetables

enhances both green notes and caramelised flavours.

With fresh goat cheese

its gentle heat balances the cheese’s creamy texture.

A Tribute to Terroir and Craftsmanship

The 83/100 score in Flos Olei 2026 represents far more than a number. It’s a recognition of an exceptional olive oil, the expression of a unique terroir, and the reward for the dedication of the team behind it.
It confirms that the Picholine from Les Tannes en Occitanie now ranks among the essential references of French olive oil—praised for both its authenticity and its aromatic elegance.

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