Wine route through Alella

In the morning

Joaquim Batlle was set up in 1999 in Tiana, some 15 km from Barcelona, in the Parc Natural de la Serralada de Marina.

It is a three-hectare estate of terraced vineyards in which the grapes are grown according to organic techniques.

The firm produces three varieties: Pansa, Picapolland Garnatxa. From these come three white wines: Foranell Pansa Blanca, Foranell Picapoll and Foranell Garnatxa Blanca.

All three whites are aromatic thanks to the proximity of the sea and that the grapes are grown at an altitude of 308 metres above sea level. The altitude assures a significant contrast in temperature that is beneficial to the grapes, as long hot days relieved by sea breezes are compensated for by fresh nights.

Foranell de Pansa Blanca has a greenish hue, while its aging in oak barrels gives it a slight vanilla and cocoa flavour. Foranell Picapoll has a floral aroma with hints of chocolate, while Foranell Garnatxa has a persistent citric taste of mandarin oranges and grapefruit.

As part of the Parc a Taula initiative of the Xarxa de Parcs Naturals, the firm offer activities, such as poetry recitals in the vineyards and enotourism visits all year round.

Joaquim Batlle is part of the Alella DO (Designation of Origin), which covers a small geographical area that includes only eight companies cultivating some 200 hectares of vineyard characterised by its distinctive sandy soil and pleasant micro-climate. The result are white wines that are as fruity as they are aromatic.

For lunch

In Arenys de Munt is to be found the Tres Turons, a restaurant that has offered traditional Catalan cuisine since 1965. Tres Turons has a varied menu that changes with the time of year, so that the restaurant offers the best seasonal produce. The restaurant also has a terrace with magnificent views of the valley formed by three hilltops that give the restaurant its name.

At weekends and on public holidays, the Tres Turons offers a sit-down breakfast of escalivada (roast pepper and aubergine), esqueixada (fresh codfish), artichokes, broad beans (faves), barbecued meat and toasted bread smothered in tomato. The omelettes are also highly recommended as a house speciality. The restaurant is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, offering high quality food at a reasonable price.