LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Nestled in the picturesque Veneto region of northern Italy, the Custoza DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is a captivating wine-producing area known for its rich viticultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. This wine region is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of history and terroir, offering a unique taste of Italy's winemaking tradition.
The Custoza DOC benefits from a diverse and favorable environment that contributes to the distinctive character of its wines. With rolling hills and a temperate climate, the vineyards here are blessed with optimal conditions for grape cultivation. The proximity to Lake Garda lends a moderating influence on temperatures, allowing for a longer growing season and ensuring the grapes ripen slowly and evenly.
Among the grape varieties cultivated in the Custoza DOC, Corvina stands out as the most prominent red grape. Its bold, fruity characteristics are often used to craft delightful red wines that add depth to the region's wine offerings. However, it's the white wines that truly shine here, thanks to the abundance of white grape varieties. The most planted among them include Cortese, Friulano, Garganega, and Trebbiano. These grapes produce wines with a spectrum of flavors, from zesty and crisp to full-bodied and aromatic, showcasing the diversity of the Custoza terroir.
When exploring the Custoza DOC, one can expect to encounter a wide range of wines that reflect the region's unique environment and grape varieties. From fresh and lively white wines to the occasional gem of a red, Custoza's wines are a testament to the art of winemaking in a landscape where tradition and terroir come together in perfect harmony.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Custoza DOC, is a wine region located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. It is situated on the southern shores of Lake Garda, which is the largest lake in Italy and one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. The Custoza DOC area spans across the provinces of Verona and Mantua. It encompasses several municipalities, including Custoza, Sommacampagna, Villafranca di Verona, and Valeggio sul Mincio, among others.
The Custoza DOC wine region experiences a temperate climate. Its proximity to Lake Garda provides a moderating influence, protecting the vineyards from extreme temperature fluctuations. The summers are warm, allowing the grapes to ripen fully, while the winters are mild, minimizing the risk of frost damage. The region receives adequate rainfall, ensuring proper hydration for the vines.
The soil of the Custoza DOC wine region is diverse and rich, characterized by glacial and alluvial deposits. The area's terroir consists of clay, limestone, and gravel, providing good drainage and moisture retention. This varied soil composition contributes to the complexity and unique character of Custoza wines, allowing for the cultivation of different grape varieties. It imparts a range of flavors and mineral notes to the wines, making them expressive, well-structured, and reflective of the region's distinct terroir.
Most Planted Red Grape Varieties: Corvina
Most Planted White Grape Varieties: Cortese, Friulano, Garganega, Trebbiano
The Custoza wine region is a treasure trove of exceptional red and white wines, each reflecting the area's unique terroir and winemaking traditions.
The most common red wine in the Custoza region is Bardolino DOC. Crafted primarily from the indigenous Corvina grape, often blended with Rondinella and Molinara, Bardolino captures the essence of the region's idyllic surroundings. Its vibrant ruby-red color and medium-bodied structure invite exploration, offering enticing aromas of fresh red berries and cherries. On the palate, Bardolino displays a harmonious balance of fruitiness and gentle tannins, making it a versatile and food-friendly choice.
Custoza DOC takes the spotlight as the most common white wine in the region. This charming and crisp white is meticulously crafted from a blend of Garganega, Trebbiano, Bianca Fernanda, and other local grape varieties. The Custoza DOC must be obtained, for a minimum of 70%, from three vines of the following vines: Garganega , Trebbianello (a local biotype of Friulian Tocai, corresponding to the French Sauvignonasse), Trebbiano and Bianca Fernanda (a local clone of Cortese). Each of these cannot exceed 45%. Custoza dazzles with a bright straw color and delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus fruits, and almond. Its refreshing acidity and medium body make it an invigorating companion for a wide array of dishes, from seafood and salads to pasta and light meats. This wine is easily recognizable for its freshness, its drinkability and flavour. Consorzio di Tutela Vini Custoza oversees the production of Custoza DOC.
Both Bardolino and Custoza wines benefit from the region's favorable microclimate, characterized by the tempering influence of Lake Garda. This, along with the area's diverse soil composition, contributes to the distinctive character of these wines, making them a true reflection of the Custoza wine region.
Whether you seek the allure of a ruby-red Bardolino or the refreshing notes of a straw-colored Custoza, the wines of this picturesque region captivate the senses and transport you to the sun-kissed vineyards of northern Italy. So, raise a glass, and savor the beauty of Custoza's most beloved red and white wines. Cheers to an unforgettable Italian wine experience!