Cataluña (Catalunya)

DO named after the river Segre in the province of Lérida in Catalonia wine-growing region in Spain, classified in 1988. The climate is characterised by extremes of temperature, plentiful sunshine and low rainfall. The vineyard area totals around 4.100 hectares. The origins of this DO go back to 1914, when Manuel Raventós started planting vineyards in what was then a desert zone, moving large amounts of soil and installing irrigation facilities. He later founded the largest cellar in Spain, the unique Raimat estate (owned by Cava producer Codorníu, see there for more details). The DO consists of the four sub-zones Artesa, Les Garrigues and Vall de Riucorb as well as the smallest and separately located Raimat. The red wines are made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha (Grenache), Monastrell, Pinot Noir, Samsó, Syrah, Trepat and Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo). The most widely planted white varieties are those used for the production of cava (e.g.. Parellada, Xarel-Lo), which may also be produced in this region. In addition there are small amounts of Albariño and Sauvignon Blanc.