Alba Blanca Menorca Malvasia from Torralba, Foodies on Menorca Award for Best Wine from Menorca

In just three years, the Torralba winery has established itself as one of the most prominent names in Menorcan wine. Awarded both on and off the island, the project combines respect for the land, innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability. We speak with Alejandro Feu, general manager of the project, about its beginnings, the meaning of the awards and the philosophy behind each bottle, which earned them the Best Wine award at the recent Menorcan Gastronomy Awards presented by Foodies on Menorca at the latest Fira Arrels.

How did you receive the Foodies on Menorca Best Wine award?
We are especially proud to receive this award because it recognises work done here and by local people. Being an island-based award confirms that we are doing something truly positive. It also adds to the international recognition we have received, such as the gold medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, where over 1,500 wines from more than 30 countries compete. We have also received the Bacchus Gold Award, placing us among the five best white wines in Spain, and we are included in the Peñín Guide to the best Spanish wines.

The Foodies on Menorca award reinforces the work carried out in the vineyard by our team of seven people who work year-round; for me, they are the true protagonists. In a very short time —we have only been making wine for three years— we have achieved significant awards, including local recognition in Menorca, which shows that our work is valued. We are a humble project, growing step by step, and being discovered in this way is a great source of pride.

How did the Torralba project begin?
In fact, it began ten years ago, when the land was prepared, as the estate was completely abandoned. Initial soil studies were carried out using test pits to determine the most suitable American rootstocks, and Mediterranean grape varieties were then planted.

One of the most important factors is that we were the first in Menorca to establish a dry-farmed vineyard, meaning no irrigation is used, making us more sustainable in terms of water use. This allows the vines to absorb more nutrients from the soil and produces fruit that is different from that found elsewhere on the island.

Why the name “Alba”?
Alba refers to the new dawn we brought to the estate, which had been abandoned for forty years. It symbolises the rebirth brought about by this winery project and is closely linked to the recovery work that marked its beginning.

Among other initiatives, we restored more than seven kilometres of dry-stone walls; we introduced sheep from neighbouring fields to clear and fertilise the land; and we use ground cover to stabilise the soil during rainfall and control vine vigour, directly improving grape quality.

This ground cover also allows us to keep a few beehives, producing a small amount of honey. It is like having a circular economy within the estate itself.

Which grape varieties do you work with?
We grow Grenache, Malvasia, Monastrell, Grenache Noir and Cabernet. These are essentially Mediterranean varieties, chosen to be well adapted to both the Menorcan climate and soil.

In terms of wines, we produce Malvasia and Grenache whites; a rosé called Rosé Menorca made from Monastrell; and red wines including a Monastrell with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100% Grenache Noir and a 100% Cabernet.

We are proud to be pioneers in promoting Grenache in Menorca, a variety with great potential on the island, as it requires very little water and is highly resistant to summer droughts and temperature fluctuations. We planted several hectares and undertook extensive technical work to include it in the Protected Geographical Indication, a challenging process that has truly paid off. We see it as a contribution to the future of Menorcan wine.

How was this year’s harvest?
We completed it just a few days ago, and it promises to be an outstanding vintage, thanks to the spring rains, both in terms of quantity and quality. The grapes were harvested by hand in excellent health. This vintage will produce very interesting wines: Mediterranean, fresh and with remarkable aromatic intensity.

Why is Alba Blanca Menorca Malvasia the best wine?
Alba Blanca Menorca Malvasia from the Torralba winery is one of the wines that has placed the island on the international wine map and symbolises the renewal of Menorcan winemaking.

Made entirely from Malvasia grapes and crafted with artisanal care, this white wine stands out for its Mediterranean expression, with aromas of white fruit and orange blossom, vibrant freshness and a long, well-balanced finish.

Awarded a silver medal at the 2024 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, it reflects Menorca’s commitment to reviving its winemaking tradition and elevating it to excellence.

Today, Alba Blanca Malvasia is a true ambassador of the territory and a celebratory toast to Menorcan gastronomy.

In just a few years, Torralba has emerged as a benchmark thanks to its artisanal dry-farming viticulture, manual work and respect for the landscape. Through its international accolades, it projects itself as an elegant and evocative ambassador of Menorcan wine, leaving a lasting impression both in the glass and on the palate.