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Introduction: Lake Garda’s Best-Kept Wine Secret
While tourists flock to Lake Garda for its shimmering waters and medieval villages, wine lovers are discovering the region’s most underrated treasure: Custoza DOC. This elegant Italian white wine blend offers the freshness of Soave and the versatility of Pinot Grigio, yet at a fraction of the cost. For travelers and wine buyers alike, Custoza is Italy’s best value white wine—a blend rooted in history, shaped by Lake Garda’s microclimate, and ready to surprise the global palate.
What Makes Custoza Different from Other Veneto Wines?
Custoza DOC, also known as Bianco di Custoza, was awarded DOC status in 1971. Grown on the morainic hills south of Lake Garda, its wines are defined by mineral-rich soils, breezy summers, and lake-moderated temperatures that yield wines both aromatic and crisp. Unlike single-varietal whites such as Pinot Grigio, Custoza is a true blend, balancing native grapes with international varieties for a layered yet approachable profile.
Custoza Wine Styles and Grape Varieties
Custoza Bianco (Standard)
Aged at least 3 months, these wines are light, fresh, and floral—perfect as aperitivo wines or with delicate seafood.
Custoza Superiore (Premium)
Made from older vines with lower yields, these wines require 5 months of aging after November 1 and often show greater texture, intensity, and sometimes subtle oak influence.
Custoza Spumante & Passito
The DOC also allows sparkling (Spumante) and dessert (Passito) styles, which highlight Custoza’s versatility and appeal to both celebratory and contemplative occasions.
Grapes Used:
- Core: Cortese, Friulano, Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano
- Supporting: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Malvasia, Riesling Italico, Manzoni Bianco
Best Custoza Producers and Where to Find Them
Several producers have elevated Custoza’s profile internationally:
- Monte del Frà – A benchmark estate producing elegant, mineral-driven Custoza wines.
- Cantina di Custoza – One of the oldest cooperatives, making accessible, value-driven wines.
- Gorgo – Known for biodynamic practices and fresh, aromatic whites.
- Le Vigne di San Pietro – Boutique producer crafting terroir-driven Superiore bottlings.
💡 Pro Tip: In international markets, bottles of Custoza often retail for $12–18, making them one of the best Italian white wine values under $20.
Custoza vs Soave: Which Veneto White Wine to Choose?
Both Custoza and Soave DOC hail from Verona province, but their character differs:
- Soave DOC: Primarily Garganega; mineral, citrusy, more widely recognized.
- Custoza DOC: A blend; fruitier, more floral, often better value.
For travelers, tasting both side by side in Verona or Lake Garda makes for a delicious comparison. For value seekers, Custoza delivers complexity at half the price of top Soaves.
👉 See also: Soave DOC Guide
Why Custoza is Italy’s Best Value White Wine
- Price-to-quality ratio: Comparable to Soave Classico and Friulano, but at 20–30% lower cost.
- Versatility: Aperitivo, seafood, risotto, or summer sipping.
- Tourism connection: Found in nearly every trattoria around Lake Garda.
For wine lovers hunting “hidden gems” or alternatives to Pinot Grigio, Custoza is a standout choice.
Food Pairings with Custoza DOC
Custoza shines alongside local Veneto cuisine:
- Risotto all’Amarone – The richness of the risotto is cut by Custoza’s freshness.
- Bigoli con le Sarde – Traditional pasta with sardines pairs perfectly with the wine’s saline edge.
- Lake Garda trout – Highlights the wine’s minerality.
- Veneto aperitivo spread – Think olives, cured meats, and mild cheeses.
Lake Garda Wine Tourism and Tastings
The Custoza Wine Route weaves through picturesque villages such as Sommacampagna, Valeggio sul Mincio, and Peschiera del Garda. Many wineries offer guided tastings, vineyard walks, and pairings with local cuisine.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Combine a Custoza tasting with a day trip to Verona, or explore Lake Garda’s cycling trails before unwinding with a glass of chilled Custoza.
Where to Buy Custoza Wine
- In Italy: Found in nearly every enoteca and trattoria around Verona and Lake Garda.
- In the U.S. & UK: Widely available online through Wine-Searcher, Italian importers, and specialty wine shops.
- Value tip: Look for entry-level Custoza from cooperatives ($12) or Superiore versions ($18–22).
FAQ on Custoza DOC
- Q: Is Custoza the same as Soave?
A: No. While both are from Veneto, Soave is single-varietal Garganega, whereas Custoza is a blend. - Q: Is Custoza always white?
A: Yes. The DOC covers only white wines, though styles range from still to sparkling and sweet. - Q: What’s the typical alcohol content?
A: 11% for standard Bianco; 12.5% or higher for Superiore.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- The name “Custoza” derives from a hamlet near Sommacampagna, also known for historic Risorgimento battles.
- Custoza wines were among the first Veneto whites to be exported to Germany and Austria in the 1970s.
- Locals enjoy Custoza as the perfect aperitivo wine, paired with cicchetti (Venetian tapas).
Planning a Lake Garda trip or looking for affordable Italian white wines? Try Custoza DOC and hare your experience with the Drink Italian community. Tag us on Instagram @DrinkItalian with your favorite Custoza pairing or vineyard visit!
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
Send us an email if you want to suggest edits, or if you are looking for more info, at
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
