Borgo Del Tiglio Collio Bianco 2005

Yet another wine from Friulli in North Eastern Italy – perhaps they might give me freedom of the city one day:). However this white was a the first white blend that I have tasted from this region.

The wine is a blend of Friulano, Riesling and Malvasia with very interesting results. This wine is a great example for anyone who thinks that Italian whites can only be clean, crisp and dry with no complexity or extra dimensions.

This wine had a golden colour to it, almost looking like a Chardonnay. Hugely complex wine on the nose with aromas of citrus, nuts, butter, and vanilla.  One of most aromatic and complex whites I had smelled all year. It had all of the characteristics of a Burgundian Chardonnay !

On the palate this full bodied white really delivers boatloads of creaminess, butter, vanilla, citrus, and a touch of apple and oatmeal.  The palate is rich, balance, good acidity and has a glorious purity of fruit. On the finish I tasted loads of hazelnut which was really interesting. One of the most interesting and surprising whites that I tasted all year – while it is definitely pricey [Cheap when compared with its Burgundian counterparts] this wine is pure class but not for everyday. It most definitely is not for casual sipping it needs food, seafood or pork, and needs to be enjoyed and savoured slowly.

Robertfranciswine - 90 Points

Available from - Sheridans Cheesemongers

Price Bracket – €29 a bottle approx.