The Custoza DOC is an appellation for white wines only in the province of Verona, in Veneto. It was born in 1971 as Bianco di Custoza, and in 2022 the name officially became Custoza. It has about 1,287 hectares, with an output of 90,150 hectolitres.
A blend of four grapes
Custoza comes from at least 70% of four grapes: Cortese, called Bianca Fernanda here, Friulano, that is Tai, Garganega and Trebbiano Toscano. None of the four may exceed 45%: it is a blended wine by rule. The rest, up to 30%, may come from Chardonnay, Malvasia, Manzoni Bianco, Pinot Bianco, Riesling and Welschriesling. It is a fresh white with light aromatic character and fruity, floral and sometimes slightly spicy notes.
The styles
Basic Custoza is released from 1 December of the harvest year, after about three months. The Superiore ages at least five months and is released from 1 April of the following year; the Riserva ages at least 12 months and is released from 1 November. The same blend also makes a Spumante and a sweet, golden Passito, released from 1 September after the harvest. The minimum alcohol is 11%.
At the table
Custoza goes with delicately flavoured first courses such as tortellini, risottos and pasta with vegetable sauces, and then with fish and white meats; it is also an aperitif. The Passito goes with desserts.
The province of Verona is also home to Bardolino, Lugana and Soave, another Garganega white.
