North-East Spain - Catalunya - Costers Del Segre

Answer 1

North-east of Spain, directly west of Conca de Barbera, more inland; protected by mountain ranges• Most vineyards near the town of Lérida. Four sub-zones.
• Mainly sandy topsoil over limestone

• Severe semi-arid climate w extreme diurnal range all year and low rainfall <400mm.

Answer 2

Reds (33% of production)

1. Ull de Llebre aka Tempranillo
2. Premier native black grape w thick skin that ripens early i.e. several weeks earlier vs. most Spanish red grapes (temprano: ‘early’)
3. Wines are med->full bodied, low to med+ acidity, w med tannins and flavours of strawberry, cherry, raspberry & plum. Oak and ageing add flavours of herbs, mushrooms, leather & tobacco
4. Garnacha
5. Buds early and requires a long growing season to fully ripen (often the last grape after Cab Sauv to be picked)
6. Vigorous vines i.e. hi yields that prefers hot dry soils
7. Thin skins w light pigments -> pale colour
8. The wines are hi in alcohol, low in tannins w relatively light

flavours of raspberries, strawberries
Others: Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Trepat (-> rosé), Merlot,

Mazuelo, Syrah

Answer 3

Whites (66% of production)

1. Parellada
2. Provides acidity & freshness
3. Mainly grown for Cava production
4. Macabeo
5. Floral fresh fruit character with good acidity when grown in low yields
6. Mainly grown for Cava production
7. Chardonnay
8. Hardy, easy to grow & versatile
9. Can produce interesting wines even at hi yields

Others: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Moscatel

Answer 4

Very few producers but generally high quality. History of the DO strongly linked to Raimat.

Codorníu / Raimat – 3,000ha

• Manuel Raventós invested in the derelict castle of Raimat and renovated the vineyards between 1914 & 78. Obtained a DO for the area.
• Produces sparkling, white, rosés and reds (oak-aged and not) in Californian style (winemakers trained there)
• Also invested in Conca de Barbera