Borgo del Tiglio’s Ronco della Chiesa is one of the great wines of Friuli, as it is again in 2009. The 2009 is an exotic, opulent Ronco della Chiesa imbued with mint, minerals, crushed rocks and bright citrus. The linear, focused style of the wine is a touch more filled out and expansive than is often the case, but without sacrificing verve or freshness. Ash, smoke and cured meats add the final nuances on the kaleidoscopic, beautifully chiseled finish. Ronco della Chiesa is an old-vine Friulano from a plot just behind the winery. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
Proprietor Nicola Manferrari has few peers in Friuli, or Italy for that matter. This is a gorgeous set of truly exceptional world-class whites. As always, the only issue is finding the wines. It would be great to see Borgo del Tiglio gain more traction in the US. Simply put, I was blown away by what I tasted this year.
Importer: Volio Distributors, Denver, CO; tel. (720) 284-7301