Costers del Segre DO

Question 1

Describe the Growing Environment of the Costers del Segre DO

Answer 1

• 4000ha; a third one producer (Raimat)
• Further north than any other Catalunya DO,
• consists of 7 non-contiguous sub-zones
• Far from coast; continental climate, hot summers, cold winters
• 400mm of rain annually
• 200-700m asl
• Sandy, free draining soils, require irrigation in most vineyards

Question 2

Describe the wine history of the Costers del Segre DO

Answer 2

• First planted in 1900s by Manuel Raventos (owner of Cava produceer Codorniu),
• Decades of establishment required to support vines; semi-arid area with saline soils
• Improved and irrigation channels installed
• Raimat, first winery, produced first commercial vintage in 1978
• DO established in 1980s
• Now 36 wineries

Question 3

Describe the wines of Costers del Segre DO

Answer 3

• High altitude areas grow Cava grape varieties, as well as white grapes and early ripening black varieties
• Wide range of varieties; international & local; macabeo, parellada, xarel-lo (mostly cava);
• Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca & Sauvignon Blanc for white grapes
• Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot for red/rose
• Single varietal wines are found, but most common are blends
• Fresh, fruity, early drinking
• Red wines & chardonnay matured in French or American oak; less new oak is used in recent times
• Usually mid priced - a few premium examples