I was really looking forward to visiting the Alta Alella,
the closest winery to Barcelona and only a couple kilometres from the
Mediterranean Sea, for a walking and wine tasting afternoon as I knew my senses
were going to explode.
Josep Maria
Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen, acquired the nineteenth-century
estate, Can Genis over 20 years ago and in Alta Alella they have created a modern cellar with eco
credentials to be proud of. Its organic wines are such high quality and
have received such great acclaim that they appear on the lists of some of the
world’s best restaurants such as Heston Blumentahl’s Fat Duck.
When I arrived at the cellar for the “Tast’N’Walk”, I was
handed a couple of poles, which I was told, give two real benefits to normal
walking. By using the poles you are using the upper body muscles as well as
your legs and you are walking faster than normal as the poles help to support
you. So you are working harder than you would when you walk normally, but the
poles make if feel easier.
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| The vineyards of Alta Alella, |
What is great about this sport is that you can do it
anywhere and it does
not need any expensive equipment. Of course, the technique only works if
you do it properly and you have to be taught by professional instructors.
Alta Alella and Bendhora, a small family business, have
teamed up to provide an amazing and unique experience. Walking around the
estate, based in the Serralada de Marina National Park, I had to admit the
poles were really useful going up and down the slopes. Along the way
there were stops to learn about and see some of the wine processes. The
highlight was enjoying one of the speciality white wines overlooking the sea
with the skyline of Barcelona in the background.
 |
| Alta Alella wines |
Afterwards we were whisked to the tasting boutique to be
rewarded with some more rather special wines and some scrumptious canapés. They
were so good that I could have made a meal out of them.
While the spotlight may shine on cava in this region
– the long-aged Alta Alella Opus Evolutium with elegant bubbles is rather
delicious – I also discovered some remarkable reds.
One of Alta Alella’s specialities is Dolç Mataró, a sweet
organic red wine, predominately made from the local grape variety mataró. Think
plums, dried figs with a hint of cherry tomatoes. It tasted deliciously creamy
yet had a perfect combination of acidity and sweetness.
A wonderful location, excellent wines, good food and a
lovely friendly staff makes a visit to this winery is a must if you are in the
vicinity.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Vueling airlines offers direct flights from London Gatwick
to El Prat airport, Barcelona, For the best fares and more information visit
www.vueling.com
Hotels
Hotel Solvi Passeig Ribes Roges 1 Vilanova i la
Geltrú Barcelona
Hostal Cal Pla (www.hostalcalpla.com) Avinguda Catalunya 56 (Sant Llorenç Savall)
Hotel Porta d’Alella (www.hotelportadalella.es) Av Sant Mateu, 5-9 Alella
Hostal Cal Pla (www.hostalcalpla.com) Avinguda Catalunya 56 (Sant Llorenç Savall)
Hotel Porta d’Alella (www.hotelportadalella.es) Av Sant Mateu, 5-9 Alella
Tourist information
Barcelona is much
more (www.barcelonaismuchmore.com) and
(www.barcelonaesmoltmes.cat/en/costabarcelona)
Barcelona Province Council (promocio@diba.cat) Tel: 00 34 93 402 22 60
Barcelona Province Council (promocio@diba.cat) Tel: 00 34 93 402 22 60
For more information about wine tours and other activities
at Alta Alella, visit www.altaalella.cat
