Custoza

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The production area covers a large part of the southern sector of the moraine hill belt that extends between Verona and Lake Garda, bounded to the south-west by the Mincio river.
• The zone encompasses both the soils of the eastern moraine amphitheatre of the Garda hinterland and closely interconnected fluvioglacial plains, with materials similar in composition, though not strictly in origin.
• The landscape is characterised by elongated moraine hills with a concentric layout and elevation changes generally ranging between 50 and 100 metres, formed by Garda glacial deposits with variegated soils interspersed with gravelly plains.
• The climate is broadly homogeneous across the entire territory, with summers that are warm but not oppressive and winters that are relatively cold, tempered by the proximity of Lake Garda, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
• The configuration of the hill ridges allows for daytime warming of the slopes and nocturnal pooling of cool air, optimal conditions for the development of the aromatic characteristics of white grape varieties.

• The training system historically most widespread in the Custoza production zone was for a long time the pergola, with non-specialised vineyards intercropped with other cultivations.
• From the 1980s onward, local viticulture underwent a radical conversion that enhanced the value of the native varieties Garganega, Trebbianello (a local biotype of Tocai friulano) and Bianca Fernanda (a local clone of Cortese).

• The wine shows fruity and floral notes, sometimes accompanied by hints of aromatic herbs and spices, with a high aromatic complexity derived from the blend.
• There is a passito version, rare but traditional, of golden colour and off-dry to sweet flavour, evoking the wines once served at the end of festive meals.

• The warm but not oppressive summer climate favours sugar concentration, while the day-to-night temperature range allows the development of the fruity and floral aromatic compounds characteristic of Custoza DOC wines.
• The diversity of soils derived from glacial deposits finds expression in the fresh, youthful, and lively character of Custoza.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A0468
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC