Marina Alta’s iconic flavours take centre stage at major food event

Teulada Moraira hosted its 15th annual gastronomic event, Alere/Dolia 2026, showcasing the traditional flavors that define the region's identity. Held at the Auditori Teulada Moraira, the event brought together chefs, winemakers, researchers, fishermen, and local producers to explore how food can tell the story of an entire territory.

The theme 'Mare Nostrum / Mare Moscatus' placed the Mediterranean and Moscatel at the center of the celebration, highlighting their shared history, landscape, and traditions. The evening's tasting featured various local wines paired with traditional salazones, demonstrating how sweet and salty flavors can work together to reflect the historic relationship between the mountains, vineyards, and Mediterranean coast.

Event organizers emphasized the importance of protecting products and traditions that risk disappearing, particularly sweet wines and mistelas. Bartender Iván Talens gave the Moscatel a modern twist by creating a cocktail using Teulada's Moscatel alongside citrus, bitter elements, and ginger soda. Salt also made an appearance in the cocktail, symbolizing its connection to the Mediterranean.

Chefs showcased how traditional ingredients can be adapted while preserving their identity through dishes like Moscatel jelly with salazones, dried octopus, bonito with tomato and garlic, figs with tuna belly, prawn pastisset, and onion tatin. The event also paid tribute to the men and women connected to the sea, honoring fishermen and the women who transformed the sea's resources into food for their families. A commemorative floral wreath was taken out to sea in memory of those who had made fishing their way of life.