Costers del Segre DO is situated mainly in Western Lérida province. The terrain is fairly level, in the foothills of the Cordillera Catalana. Most soils are brown limestone containing high proportions of lime, chalk, granite and little clay or organic matter.
Costers del Segre was awarded its Denominacion as recently as 1986, a sign of the changes in the region's winemakers' approach, making this one of Spain's up and coming areas.More info ...
The estate itself originally supported a thriving self-contained community of some 400 souls; and wine was but one element. When, however, 150 years later, the family having failed to produce heirs in the harsh post Spanish Civil War era, it fell into almost complete abandon from the mid 1950s through to the early 1980s, it was rescued from obscurity by the local Cusiné family, who took on the task of restoring everything to its former glory - a task so major that it is still in progress. Only the fruit and wine elements are up and running again.
80 hectares of vineyards, complete with Pyrenean-fed reservoir for irrigation purposes, yield Tempranillo, Merlot, Chardonnay, Macabeo, Cabernet and a little very old Garnacha.
55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Macabeo
Vine age average 20 years. All wire trained (the Royal double system). Plant density is 2000 to 3800 plants per hectare, with yields of around 6000 kilos per hectare. The clones and rootstocks vary in accordance with grape variety and terroir.
Pale lemon/gold in colour: Very delicate balsamic and floral (violets). Honeyed and fruity, reminiscent of apples on the palate.
Best drunk young and ideally within 1 year after vintage. Price: £10.21 Including VAT at 17.5%
The 2005 Gotim Bru is a blend of 60% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot aged for 10 months in French and American oak.
"Purple-colored, it provides a fragrant nose of spice box, tobacco, blueberry, and blackberry. Firmly structured, medium to full-bodied, and layered,
this ripe, tasty wine should evolve for 2-3 years but who is going to wait? It is an outstanding value."
90/100 R Parker
Price: £11.23 Including VAT at 17.5%
Chardonnay & Macabeo
Fermented in New American oak with "batonage" for 6 months.
Straw yellow colour. It has a strong aromatic intensity of fruit, butter and pleasant balsamic notes. Rich and glyceric on the palate, deep and rich passage through the mouth. Very aromatic.
Wonderful with some roasted vegetables or moussaka.
Price: £14.81 Including VAT at 17.5%
55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Tempranillo & 10% Garnacha
The blend is aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels, and receives careful attention involved in the batonnage of the lees. The wine exhibits elegance right from its day of release, having been aged in cellars for 22 months in the bottle, and will also further develop if laid down.
Colour: intense ruby ruby with garnet tones. Concentrated, warm, complex nose. Smoky bouquet of black tobacco, liquorice and raw cocoa. When aired it reveals preserved fruit, with hints of blackberry and damson jam. The oak contributes vanilla tones, with certain whisky-lactones somewhat reminescent of delicate brandy aromas. Deep and rounded, with an impression of herbaceousundergrowth and minerals. Good acidity, in harmony with the tannic structure. The tannins show great maturity and finesse. A long, rich finish.
Price: £26.56 Including VAT at 17.5%
Here, in a traditionally almond growing area, the Cusiné family planted 40 hectares of vineyards in 1997.
55% Chardonnay and 45% Macabeo
Manual harvesting of the grapes with selection of only the best quality which are then transported in cases of 25 Kg to ensure they are not bruised or damaged. Pressing in horizontal press. The wine is then fermented "sur lies" in new Allier oak barrels and matured for 5 months.
Colour: Light yellow with green reflections. Intense clean, fresh aromas with flower scents, delicate perfume and a touch of anise. The palate has a sublime lemony core combined with toasty nuances. Its excellent acidity provides freshness and vivacity with excellent length.
Excellent with smoked trout gravadlax or a cheese fondue.
Price: £22.47 Including VAT at 17.5%
45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Tempranillo, 13% Garnacha and 5% Merlot.
Manual harvesting of the grapes with selection of only the best quality which are then transported in cases of 25 Kg to ensure they are not bruised or damaged. Destemming directly on entry to the fermentation tanks with no pumping. Fermentation at 30°C with remontage and manual sinking of the cap for better extraction.
Matured for 12 months in new French (80%) and American oak barrels.
Intense, purple black, with wild black fruit flavours and spice. The enticing aromas are of mediterranean herbs: Lavender, Thyme, Eucalyptus and Anise.
It is great with roasted venison, savoury stews or tajine but also excellent with powerful cheeses. Price: £18.38 Including VAT at 17.5%
91/100 The Wine Advocate
Price: £22.98 Including VAT at 17.5%
