Custoza DOC: Discover the Appellation

Where is Custoza DOC?

The Custoza DOC wine region lies within the morainic amphitheatre south of Lake Garda, in the province of Verona. Its vineyards extend across the gently rolling countryside surrounding Sommacampagna and the neighbouring municipalities of Villafranca di Verona, Valeggio sul Mincio, Peschiera del Garda, Castelnuovo del Garda, Pastrengo, Sona and Bussolengo.

The landscape itself reveals the origins of Custoza. These hills were shaped by the movement and retreat of ancient glaciers associated with the formation of Lake Garda.

Over thousands of years, the glaciers deposited a complex mixture of materials carried down from the mountains. The resulting morainic soils, rich in minerals and carbonates and naturally well drained, are one of the defining elements of the Custoza terroir.

They also contribute to the distinctive savoury, mineral character frequently found in Custoza wines.

Lake Garda and a Natural Microclimate for White Grapes

Lake Garda plays an equally important role in shaping the wines.

Its proximity helps moderate temperatures and creates a favourable environment for viticulture. Summers are warm, while the hilly landscape encourages temperature variations between day and night.

The slopes warm during the day and benefit from cooler air after sunset, helping the grapes retain acidity and aromatic definition as they ripen. These conditions are particularly suited to white varieties, encouraging floral aromas alongside notes of white and yellow fruit and citrus.

Together, morainic soils, the influence of Lake Garda and the local climate give Custoza its recognisable combination of freshness, aromatic character, savoury depth and elegance.

Custoza and the Art of Blending

One of the most fascinating aspects of the appellation is that Custoza is not defined by a single grape variety.

Its identity comes from blending several grapes, whose proportions can be interpreted according to the vintage, the individual vineyards and the style of wine the producer wants to create.

Among the varieties most closely associated with Custoza are Garganega, Trebbianello, Bianca Fernanda and Incrocio Manzoni, alongside other grapes permitted under the DOC regulations.

Each contributes something different to the final wine.

Garganega brings structure and fruit character. Trebbianello contributes softness and balance, while Bianca Fernanda, the local name for Cortese, brings finesse and aromatic expression.

Incrocio Manzoni holds a particularly important place in the history of Monte del Frà. Created by Professor Luigi Manzoni at the Conegliano School of Oenology by crossing Riesling Renano with Pinot Bianco, the variety can contribute acidity, aromatic finesse and an impressive ability to evolve over time.

Monte del Frà played a role in its inclusion within the Custoza DOC after recognising the variety's potential to bring greater longevity to Custoza.

It is not the voice of a single grape, but the harmony of several varieties expressing one place.

A Winemaking History Spanning Centuries

Viticulture has deep roots in the Custoza area.

The earliest evidence of vine cultivation dates back to prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements around Lake Garda. Archaeological evidence also points to the importance of wine during Roman times, while from the 9th century and throughout the Middle Ages, written records increasingly document vine cultivation, particularly between Pastrengo and Sommacampagna.

By the second half of the 19th century, wines produced in the area were increasingly identified by the name Custoza, after the small village that is today part of Sommacampagna.

The village also holds an important place in Italian history as the setting of two major battles during the Italian Wars of Independence.

A defining moment for its wine came on 8 February 1971, when Custoza was officially recognised as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC). The local Consorzio di Tutela was established the following year.

Since then, the appellation has continued to evolve, demonstrating that these hills can produce not only fresh, approachable white wines but also structured, complex wines capable of ageing beautifully.

The Different Expressions of Custoza DOC

One of Custoza's strengths is its ability to express the character of the territory through several different styles.

Custoza DOC captures its freshest and most vibrant expression. Typically floral and fruit-driven, it combines freshness and balance with the distinctive savoury character associated with the area's morainic soils.

Custoza Superiore DOC offers greater structure and complexity. Lower yields, careful grape selection and longer maturation can result in wines with greater concentration, depth and ageing potential.

Custoza Riserva DOC takes this potential for evolution even further. Extended ageing allows the wine to develop greater depth and aromatic complexity while retaining the freshness and balance that define the appellation.

The DOC also includes Custoza Spumante and Custoza Passito, two very different styles that further demonstrate the versatility of Custoza's diverse grape heritage.