2022 CUSTOZA BIANCO. Cantina di Custoza. Veneto, Italy

Custoza is probably the least known DOC in Veneto, northeast Italy. It is a white wine only production region where multiple varietals maybe employed in the final blend. The Custoza area is close to Lake Garda – formed from glacial deposits of chalk, gravel, and some loam – and is gently undulating.

30% Friulano, 30% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano, and 20% Cortese.

Cantina di Custoza is a cooperative with over 300 members and was founded in 1968. They own and farm around 1,000 hectares of land. They recently formed a partnership with Cantina Valpantena to help diversify their winemaking capabilities.

Winemaking is overseen by Luca Oliosi. Each variety is picked and fermented separately prior to bottling. All are gently pressed, followed by a cold maceration with juice and skins before being fermented at cool temperatures (14-18°C) in stainless steel.

2022 was a very warm vintage which was revived by much need rain bursts in July and an early harvest brought in slightly lower than average yields of ripe and healthy grapes.

Drink now and over the next 18 months.