Lake Garda is locally known by another, older name: Benaco, derived from the latin Benacus or ‘beneficent’. It’s an appropriate name for this fairytale landscape, guarded by the Alps from cold air to the north. Gardens and vineyards alike thrive in this miniature pocket of warm Mediterranean climate, and just south of the lake those vineyards fall under the name Custoza, a tiny village about halfway between the lake and the city of Verona. The region offers a menu of white grapes including Garganega, Tocai Friulano, Trebbiano, and Fernanda, among others. The Menegotti family have refined their bright and floral Custoza over three generations, and it personifies the spirit of the region. The nose shows acacia blossom, pear and apple skin, barely ripe pineapple, greengage plum fruits with touches of creme fraiche, parmesan rind, and lemon mint. The palate is delicate, zesty, and refreshing with notes of lemon, mango, banana and lemongrass. This is a wine for lovers of Sauvignon Blanc, for wine on the patio and in the sun, and for pasta salads.