DO Costers del Segre modifies its regulations: what wineries and grape growers must do in 2026

Key data

Wineries and grape growers covered by the DOP Costers del Segre have an immediate obligation: review the new regulations approved on August 4, 2026 and adapt their practices to the modified conditions. The Resolution of July 16, 2026 from INCAVI closes the normal modification process after concluding the two-month opposition period without any objections being filed, which confirms approval without controversy.

The resolution has been published simultaneously in the BOE and in the DOGC, in accordance with article 26.7 of the Law 2/2020 on viticulture. The file will now be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for subsequent submission to the European Commission, as established in RD 189/2026. In the meantime, the modified regulations are already available on the INCAVI website and are immediately applicable to DO operators.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution approves the normal modification of the regulations of the Protected Designation of Origin Costers del Segre. This type of modification—called "normal" as opposed to minor modifications or Union modifications—requires a longer procedure that includes a two-month opposition period. Since no objections were filed during that period, INCAVI has favorably resolved the modification.

The specific aspects of the content of the modification (permitted varieties, yields, oenological practices, geographical area or other technical parameters) are fully contained in the regulations modified and available on the INCAVI website. Operators must consult that document directly to learn about the specific technical changes that affect them.

The administrative process continues with the submission of the file to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which will send it to the European Commission for its final registration in the European system for the protection of designations of origin, in accordance with RD 189/2026.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for DOP Costers del Segre operators is fundamentally operational and compliance-related. The modification of the regulations may affect aspects such as cultivable varieties, vinification practices, labeling, maximum yields or other technical parameters that determine whether a wine can or cannot be protected under the designation.

• Risk of decertification: Wineries that do not adapt their practices to the new regulations could see their certification under the DOP compromised, with the consequent impact on price and market positioning.
• Adaptation costs: Depending on the scope of the specific technical changes in the regulations, it may be necessary to adjust production processes, update technical documentation or modify labels.
• Appeal window: There is a one-month deadline from publication in the DOGC (August 4, 2026) to file an appeal to the president of INCAVI if any operator believes the modification harms them.
• Impact on exports: Subsequent approval by the European Commission will consolidate international protection of the designation, which benefits DO exporters.

Who does it affect?

• Producing wineries covered by the DOP Costers del Segre that produce wines protected under this designation.
• Grape growers and cooperatives with vineyards registered in the DO registry, whose crops must comply with the regulations.
• Commercial operators (bottlers, distributors with private label) that market wines under the protection of the DOP.
• Technical advisors and oenologists who work with wineries in the area and must know the new approved technical parameters.

Geographically, the DOP Costers del Segre covers municipalities in the province of Lleida (Catalonia). Operators outside this geographical area are not affected.

Practical example

A winery registered in the DOP Costers del Segre that produces red wine with varieties currently included in the regulations receives notification of the resolution. Its first step is to download the modified regulations from the INCAVI website and compare them with the previous regulations to identify what parameters have changed: for example, if new permitted varieties have been incorporated, if maximum yields per hectare have changed or if authorized oenological practices have been modified.

If the winery detects that any of its current practices are no longer contemplated in the new regulations, it must adapt its process before the Regulatory Council conducts the next certification audit. If, on the other hand, it believes that the approved modification harms it, it has until September 4, 2026 (one month from publication in the DOGC) to file an appeal to the president of INCAVI.

What should companies do now?

1. Download the new INCAVI regulations: Access the official website of the Institut Català de la Vinya i el Vi and download the modified regulations of the DOP Costers del Segre to learn about the specific technical changes.
2. Compare with the previous regulations: Identify what parameters have changed (varieties, yields, oenological practices, area, labeling) and assess whether your current operations remain compliant.
3. Evaluate need for adaptation: If any current practice does not comply with the new regulations, plan the necessary changes before the next audit by the Regulatory Council.
4. Consider filing an appeal if applicable: If you believe that the approved modification harms you, you have until one month from August 4, 2026 to file an appeal to the president of INCAVI.
5. Update technical documentation and labeling: If the changes in the regulations affect mandatory label mentions or product technical sheets, update these documents as a priority.
6. Follow the file before the European Commission: The file will be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and then to the European Commission. Any additional observations in that phase could generate new changes. Stay informed through INCAVI and the Regulatory Council.

Official source

Consult complete regulations in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-17001