Custoza

The name of this white wine, derives from a small village near Sommacampagna, once a garrison along the old Roman 'motorway' Via Postumia, well known by all Italian students because is the site of a great battle against the Austrians during the Italian 'Risorgimento', the historical strugle for Italian independence.
The first historical references to the wine trade here date back to the 13th century, as the town began to take form around the fort.
The classic Veronese vines, such as Trebbiano or Garganega, are joined by more recent varieties, such as Tocai, Malvasia, Chardonnay and Bianca Fernanda, to make Bianco di Custoza white winSe in an area formed by the morainic amphitheater of Lake Garda in the local council districts of Sommacampagna, Villafranca, Valeggio, Peschiera, Castelnuovo, Sona, Bussolengo, Pastrengo and Lazise.
Bianco di Custoza is a dry but smooth wine, yet a hint of bitterness and a distinctly winey perfume with flowery and fruity notes and lingering aftertaste. It is the ideal accompaniment to fish dishes and best drunk within the year after its harvest.
The raisined 'passito' is an elegant and finely balanced dessert wine underscored by a flavor reminiscent of jam and spices.

A tour in the wineries of the Custoza area can include a stop at the beautiful village of Borghetto, where the famous tortellini (dumplings with meat filling) can be tasted, at the 14th century castle of Valeggio and, for history lovers, at the Memorial to the battle of Custoza. For winery tours in Custoza: