Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni

The Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni presents in the glass a clear, brilliantly bright straw yellow with delicate golden reflections. This color points to ripe grapes from prime sites and fits perfectly with its elegant stylistic character from Veneto. On the nose, a fine yet intense aromatic tapestry unfolds. First, aromas of acacia blossoms rise up, floral, delicate and yet clearly defined. They are joined by juicy notes of ripe pineapple, reminiscent of exotic fruit displays and lending the wine a warm, sunlit aura. A hint of light, delicate honeyed sweetness gives the cuvée depth and a gentle, almost creamy impression, without ever seeming heavy. Even on the nose, Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni appears inviting, clear, and pleasantly precise.

On the palate, the wine is dry but never harsh. The texture is silky, with a fine melt on the tongue. The fruity character of pineapple combines with juicy pear and a touch of white peach. The floral acacia notes reappear, recalling fresh spring meadows and pale blossoms. A very delicate honey note, more like fine blossom honey in the background, rounds off the wine. The acidity is fresh, well integrated, and supports the aromatic structure. It provides tension and length without dominating. The cuvée appears clear, precise, and very harmonious.

The overall impression on the palate can be captured in several stages:

1. First, a bright, fresh fruit character with pineapple, pear, and peach.
2. Then floral accents of acacia, blossoms, and fine herbs.
3. Afterwards, a delicate hint of honey that adds fullness.
4. In the mid-palate, an elegant, juicy structure with fine creaminess.
5. Finally, a clear, fresh finish with citrus zest and minerality.

The finish is medium to long, with juicy, clear freshness that invites the next sip. A fine trace of lemon and lime sets a lively accent. The subtle minerality recalls wet stones after a summer rain and gives the cuvée backbone. The aromas of pineapple and acacia remain present in the aftertaste for a long time, accompanied by a touch of delicate honeyed sweetness. The wine always appears harmonious, with a balanced interplay of fruit, freshness, and structure.

This blend of grape varieties from Veneto is a prime example of the stylish white-wine tradition of this region. Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni demonstrates how harmoniously local varieties can interlock. The individual grapes contribute floral fragrance, ripe fruit, and elegant structure to the cuvée. The result is a wine that shines both as an expressive aperitif and as a refined partner at the table. Its moderate alcohol profile and clear freshness make it highly drinkable. A white wine that continues to open up with every minute in the glass and reveals new nuances.

Particularly fascinating is its interplay between floral finesse and exotic fruit. The acacia note provides an airy, bright side, while pineapple and fine honey bring fullness and warmth. Added to this is a clear, taut acidity that keeps the wine vibrant and crisp. Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni remains consistently balanced, never obtrusive, and convinces with elegance and purity of aromas. In this way, it will delight both connoisseurs and newcomers to the world of white wine.

Vinification of Custoza Alte Vigne DOC by Zeni

The grapes for Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni come from old vineyards in selected sites of the Custoza area in Veneto. The vines are deeply rooted and produce lower yields, but particularly ripe grapes with high aromatic concentration. The soils consist of limestone, gravel, and partly sandy layers. This mix lends the wine a clear, subtle minerality and a stable structure. The climate near Lake Garda also provides mild temperatures and good ventilation of the vineyards.

Harvesting is selective, usually in the cool morning hours, to preserve the freshness of the berries. Each grape variety in the cuvée is picked separately at its optimal ripeness. The producers attach great importance to gentle handling of the grapes. Only clean, ripe berries make it into the cellar. A short period of skin contact can be used to extract more aroma from the grape skins. This is followed by gentle pressing that draws off only the fine must of the first pressing fraction.

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. This preserves the delicate aromas of acacia blossoms, pineapple, and honey with clarity. Cool fermentation temperatures promote the development of fresh fruit notes and keep the structure of the wine precise. The individual base wines of the blend are initially matured separately. Only afterwards are they blended, when the cellar master seeks the ideal balance of fruit, freshness, and structure. This is how the typical style of Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni emerges.

After fermentation, the wine is allowed to mature on the fine lees for some time. This lees aging gives it more fullness, creaminess, and delicate texture. Regular stirring of the lees can additionally add structure and depth. Aging in stainless steel preserves the clear, fresh character of the white wine. The result is a wine that clearly expresses its origin in Veneto while appearing very pure and modern. Before bottling, careful filtration ensures that the wine reaches the bottle clear and radiant.

Food recommendations for Custoza Alte Vigne DOC by Zeni

Thanks to its fresh structure and the mix of floral and exotic notes, Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni is a versatile partner at the table. Its dry style and fine texture pair well with many dishes of light Mediterranean cuisine. The wine harmonizes particularly well with dishes that show delicate aromas and do not have overly strong roasted notes. It can thus be served with both starters and main courses.

Recommended dishes for this blended wine from Veneto:

- Antipasti platter with grilled vegetables, marinated artichokes, and mild hard cheese
- Delicate grilled fish, such as gilt-head bream or sea bass, with lemon oil and fresh herbs
- Creamy risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan, finely rounded off with lemon zest
- Pasta with seafood, garlic, olive oil, and fresh parsley
- Chicken breast with lemon-thyme sauce and a light vegetable gratin
- Salad with goat cheese, pear, roasted nuts, and a light honey dressing
- Sushi and sashimi with delicate fish texture and light soy sauce

Custoza Alte Vigne DOC - Zeni also cuts a fine figure as an aperitif. Served at about 8 to 10 degrees, it shows its floral, fruity side most clearly. In convivial company, it accompanies small bites such as crostini with mild cream cheese, bruschetta with tomato and basil, or light fish terrines. With its fresh style and elegant body, it always appears inviting and enlivens the start of a meal. In this way, this wine reveals its full potential as a versatile partner for both kitchen and table.

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