Story: Bianco di Custoza | Classic
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Origin & terroir
The Bianco di Custoza comes from the gentle moraine hills south of Lake Garda in the province of Verona. The DOC area covers around 1,300 hectares of hilly landscape between Sommacampagna and Peschiera - shaped by past glacial movements. The soils consist of calcareous gravel, clay and sand, which, coupled with the mild climate provided by Lake Garda and cool air currents, offer ideal conditions for precisely aromatic white wine.

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Grape varieties & style
Bianco di Custoza is a classic blend of indigenous grapes: Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbianello (also known as Friulano) and Bianca Fernanda (a Cortese clone) must make up at least 70% of the blend, with no single variety exceeding 45%. Smaller proportions of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Malvasia, Manzoni Bianco and other permitted varieties are also permitted. These grape varieties provide a delicate balance of freshness, minerality and typical aromas - from citrus fruits and apples to exotic tones such as melon and floral aromas.

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Quality & value for money
Since its DOC designation in 1971 (reconfirmed in 2019), Bianco di Custoza has developed from a regional everyday drink to a white wine that is respected nationwide. Through clever positioning in the premium entry-level segment, it offers high quality at moderate prices - comparable to the renowned Lugana, but much more accessible. The use of different grape varieties reduces vintage fluctuations, creates harmoniously complex wines and protects against climatic extremes.

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Taste & drinking moments
Typical Bianco di Custoza shows light straw-yellow to golden tones with green reflections in the glass. It smells of grapefruit, citrus fruit, pear, melon and floral notes such as acacia and orange blossom. It is dry and refreshing on the palate, with mild acidity, fine minerality and a pleasantly harmonious finish.

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Styles & development
In addition to the classic Bianco in “normal” quality, there is the Superiore, which is richer and more complex due to extra ageing (at least 5 months) and slightly higher alcohol. There are also variants such as spumante and passito, in which the Bianco di Custoza is made into a sparkling or sweet wine.

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Culinary companions & storage
Thanks to its lively structure and mild aromas, Bianco di Custoza harmonizes perfectly with summer dishes: oily fish, seafood, vegetable risotto or light starters come into their own. It is also ideal as an aperitif - preferably well chilled. Young vintages enjoyed after one year offer fresh drinking pleasure, but two to three-year-old bottles can also gain in complexity.

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Conclusion
The Bianco di Custoza is a charming white wine with roots in the local winegrowing history north of Verona. It impresses with its aromatic lightness, excellent fruit-mineral balance and reliable quality at fair prices. In classic and modern versions, as well as variants such as spumante and passito, it is a versatile companion for a wide range of enjoyable moments - from picnics to festive occasions. If you like authentic, regionally influenced Italian wines with character and accessibility, you should definitely give Bianco di Custoza a chance. - Gerardo [TS07/25]