The DO Costers del Segre unfolds its wine universe in a territory full of contrasts. In Lleida, vines coexist with the force of the continental climate, the diversity of the landscapes and a way of working that combines innovation, tradition and a bond with the land. The result is a wide variety of wines and a wine tourism proposal that invites visitors to discover the destination slowly and with all the senses. DO Costers del Segre, a young designation with its own identity Created in 1983, the DO Costers del Segre has built prestige in a short time thanks to its innovative spirit. It was a pioneer in Catalonia in introducing varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay, and from the outset it has managed to combine experimentation with deep roots in the territory. It is a designation that surprises because it moves away from the country’s more familiar wine landscapes. Here, wine is born in the province of Lleida, in a setting marked by contrasts, light and a strong Mediterranean personality with a continental accent. Seven subzones, seven ways of expressing the territory One of the great distinguishing features of the DO Costers del Segre is its structure of seven subzones: Raimat, Artesa de Segre, Valls del Riu Corb, les Garrigues, Pallars, Segrià and Urgell. This diversity makes it possible to travel through very different landscapes over a short distance. From the plains of Segrià, at around 200 metres above sea level, to vineyards located at more than 1,000 metres in the Lleida Pyrenees. Arid, sunny areas such as les Garrigues or the Riucorb valley coexist with cooler, higher-altitude spaces. Each subzone brings its own nuances. Raimat stands out for fine and elegant wines. Artesa de Segre has an extreme climate that favours resistant varieties. Pallars brings the expression of altitude, while les Garrigues and the Valls del Riu Corb offer wines with character, born from dry lands and abundant sunshine. A continental climate that defines the character of the wines The DO Costers del Segre is the furthest from the sea of all Catalan designations. This reality translates into a very marked continental climate, with notable temperature contrasts between day and night and between the seasons. These differences help shape wines with good structure, freshness and expressiveness. Altitude, sunshine and the variety of soils complete the definition of a designation where each landscape leaves its mark in the glass. Wines and varieties of the DO Costers del Segre White wines predominate in the DO Costers del Segre: light and gently aromatic, made with varieties such as xarel·lo, parellada and chardonnay. The rosés, made with trepat, pinot noir or ull de llebre, are usually fruity and full-bodied. As for reds, there are intense, balanced wines with personality, made with cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir or ull de llebre. This diversity makes it possible to move from a fresh, vibrant high-altitude wine to a more concentrated and profound red, shaped by dry farming and terroir. Wineries with history and projects looking to the future The designation has more than 30 wineries that combine historical legacy with new ways of understanding wine. Raimat, whose origins date back to 1914 and which is linked to the work of Rubió i Bellver, is one of the great references of the territory. Castell del Remei, in la Noguera, also stands out: a place with a long history and a unique heritage setting. Alongside these names are current projects committed to more sustainable viticulture, such as L’Olivera, Cercavins and Casa Pardet, as well as other initiatives that reinforce the vitality of the DO. Wine tourism in the DO Costers del Segre: tastings, landscape and original experiences The Lleida Wine Route offers a wide range of experiences. Raimat Natura proposes discovering the estate by balloon or by bicycle, always ending with a tasting. In Sant Martí de Riucorb, Petit Duran invites visitors to enjoy a Blind Experience, tasting wine with their eyes covered and giving full prominence to the senses. Mas Blanch i Jové surprises visitors with the Vinya dels Artistes, where art coexists with vineyards and olive trees. Lagravera adds pairings of cocoa and wine, while Clos Pons offers experiences linked to local gastronomy. In Vallbona de les Monges, L’Olivera lets visitors experience the harvest from within, with grape picking, must tasting and a harvesters’ breakfast. A getaway among wine, gastronomy and authenticity in the lands of Lleida Exploring the DO Costers del Segre is much more than tasting wines. It means delving into dry-stone landscapes, discovering oils, cheeses and local cuisine, and letting yourself be carried away by an authentic and welcoming territory. Wine culture is also experienced in a festive spirit. In Verdú, around 12 October, the Festa de la Verema i del Vi is a good opportunity to connect with local traditions and celebrate the bond between the landscape, the vine and the people who make it possible. Between plains, high-altitude vineyards and villages with character, the DO Costers del Segre offers a unique way to discover the lands of Lleida. A territory of contrasts that expresses itself authentically through wine.