Lado (LA-doe) is a white wine grape grown in the Ribeiro wine region of Galicia.
What is Lado and where does it come from?
Lado is a white grape grown in just a few hectares of the Val de Arnoia, in the Ribeiro appellation, where it’s usually blended with other varieties. Lado probably originated in the Val de Arnoia, and according to genetic research it could be related to treixadura and the Portuguese grape viosinho. Like other traditional grape varieties in Ribeiro, its recovery has only been underway since the 1980s.
Some technical details
Lado has small clusters with compact, elliptical grapes. It’s mid- to late-budding and maturing, and produces wines with high acidity and alcohol levels up to ~13% ABV. It is highly susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew, and slightly susceptible to downy mildew.
Lado tends to add floral aromas and simple fruit notes to wines. In Ribeiro, its aromas and acidity combine with other varieties to lend complexity and freshness to the final wine.