Lagar do Vento
–
Galicia,
Spain
Lagar do Vento is a family-run winery located in the heart of Ribeira Sacra, one of those corners of Europe that are characterized by majestic, isolated beauty and recently declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Headed by owner Antonio Roade, this 2 hectares project takes both a craft approach by lending from ancient agricultural techniques, as well as a high tech approach aided by the techies of NovaCropControl, a Dutch company that makes it possible to analyze the sap in the leafs of the vines, in order to make -amongst others- decisions regarding the exact time harvesting.
Situated on the slopes above the Miño River in Belesar, Chantada, also known as the “heart of Galicia,” their vineyards thrive on granite-rich soil, typical of the region. This soil adds a distinct minerality to their wines, enhancing the character of native varieties such as Mencía, Godello, and Treixadura. Besides cultivating its own grapes , the project Lagar do Vento also collaborates with other viticulturists, providing training in regenerative viticulture practices while ensuring a fair price for the grapes.
As members of the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, Lagar do Vento leads the way in regenerative agriculture. Their vineyards mix Atlantic and Mediterranean plants, like gorse, orange, olive, and fig trees, creating a balanced ecosystem that naturally protects the vines. By utilizing the soil’s potential as a carbon sink, they also contribute to the fight against climate change.
Their flagship wine, Do Peizás Mencía, is known for its bright red fruit notes and long, refined finish, earning it the title of Best Red Wine of Ribeira Sacra. Antonio has promised us to bring a few bottles of this very limited wine for his workshop, so make sure you’re there to taste.
They produce three different whites: Asubio, a fresh godello with creamy notes and stone fruit; Au79, a skin contact godello, Alvariño and treixadura; and A Cubela, its signature godello with matured in french oak barrels.
Cultivation: 2 ha
Production: 10,000 bottles/year.
Varieties: Mencía, Godello, Treixadura, Loureira, and Garnacha Tintureira
Approach: Regenerative viticulture, Low intervention
Certifications: No (Soil DNA tests upon request)
Sulfites: No/Low
