Costers del Segre Wine
INTRODUCTION
Having and inland location, which is far from the coast, has, through the centuries, meant that the area has never been very convenient for commercial routes, resulting in some wines with unique and characteristic traits.
... />Innovations in grape varieties and production methods. This was the first place in Catalonia to introduce the grape varieties of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay, alongside the native varieties. They also adopted Californian wine-making techniques.
In 1983: Jaume Siurana, the director of Incavi, and Manuel Raventós Artes, director general of Codorniù and Celler de Raimat, both considered the wine-growing qualities of the regions of Lleida to be excellent. The tradition of the area meant that it was regulated by a regulatory council whilst simultaneously leading in the promotion of the region, benefiting from the manifest success of the wines of Raimat.
GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND CLIMATE
The area of the designation of origin is diverse with varying geological and climatic characteristics. Its nexus is the middle basin of the river Segre, between the Pyrenees and the Ebro, and the inland, dry climate, which is far removed from any maritime influences, is marked by an elevated insolation, sparse rainfall and persistent humidity from the winter fogs.
The vines are at an altitude of between 200 and 400 metres. The soil is calcareous and covered with sand and there is extreme uniformity throughout the designation.
The subzones of Artesa and Pallars Jussà are the most northerly, with vines of greater altitude and Pyrenean influences. Raimat, to the far east, enjoys a slight relief and a continental climate. The subzone of the Segrià, in the plain of Lleida, is characteristic of the dry lands. Garrigues and the Riucorb valleys are arid lands.
GRAPE VARIETIES
Recommended white varieties
* Macabeo
* Xarel·lo
* Parellada
* Chardonay
* Grenache blanc
* Riesling
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Muscatel of Alexandria
* Malvasia or subirat parent
* Gewurztraminer
* Albarinho
Authorised white varieties
* Albarinho
* Small berry Muscatel
Recommended red varieties
* Grenache noir
* Tempranillo
* Cabernet Saugvinon
* Merlot
* Monastrell or morastrell
* Trepat
* Mazuela or Samsó
* Pinot noir
* Syrah