This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Carapelli. All opinions are 100% mine.

When I think of olive oil, it is very easy to immediately have a short list of items that are enhanced by its presence spring to mind; most notably, salad, pasta, and warm breadsticks. Enjoying olive oil on a certain number of foods and having a favorite brand are two different things, at least to me. Trying a new brand of anything after already trying and liking a different brand is something I hardly do. I work very much under the mindset that I have found something that I like and I’m going to stick with it. It’s safer that way. Then again, I’m probably one of the most picky eaters you’ll ever meet who doesn’t actually cook themselves.

My partner prepares most of our meals and unlike me, loves experimenting with new products and new brands of products he already loves. So he was pretty excited when we received a bottle of olive oil to taste test from Carapelli.

Carapelli Olive Oil has been around since 1893 and to this day, is still Italy’s number one brand of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. That is quite an accomplishment, but not so surprising after finding out that they conduct their business on the principle of providing people with reassurance that their olive oil is of premium quality and consistently so. They have also instituted a quality certification program that they adhere to that meets and exceeds the extensive, strict quality specifications that are required in Europe and the United States.

I never thought that olive oil could be anything like wine; until I received a bottle of Carapelli Olive Oil and a printout on how to have a true olive oil tasting experience that is very similar to how you are supposed to correctly taste a good wine. With that, I was introduced to the four S’s:

1. Swirl: By swirling the olive oil in your glass, you release the oil’s esters, which are the molecules that contain the aroma.
2. Sniff: Now inhale deeply. The aroma is the key to the fruitiness of the oil. Is it intense or is it more subtle?
3. Slurp: Sip the oil while “sipping” in a bit of air. This slurping action emulsifies the oil and helps spread it throughout your mouth. Take note of the various tastes and sensations. Is it fruity, peppery, smooth?
4. Swallow: Once you swallow the oil, it should leave your mouth with no aftertaste. Again, take note of any peppery or stinging sensation in your throat.

Upon first sniff, there was little to no smell at all coming from my glass. That’s why it is so important to swirl Carapelli Olive Oil before sniffing. Suddenly there was a rich, vibrant scent wafting from the glass and it was delicious. The taste was incredibly smooth and I was somewhat taken aback by it. I don’t know what I was expecting at first, to be honest, but I was pleasantly surprised by the richness in the taste and also the peppery taste, which was very slight, settling into the back of my throat. In no time at all, that peppery taste had dispersed, leaving no aftertaste in my mouth or in my throat.

Carapelli Olive Oil is understated and delicious and great for eating on salads or with bread, and will definitely be featured in many upcoming pasta dinners in my house.

Try Carapelli Olive Oil out yourself with a $1.00 OFF coupon at www.CarapelliUSA.com.