The Collio Bianco is one of the best introductions to what makes Borgo del Tiglio special, blending Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling Renano from the estate's Collio vineyards. Nicola Manferrari began developing the blend in 1989 while working on what would eventually become Studio di Bianco, his top white blend. The idea is brilliant: Friulano provides the body, texture and richness, while Sauvignon and Riesling bring aromatics, freshness and acidity. The individual components are vinified with the same meticulous approach as the estate's more expensive wines, including gentle pressing and fermentation and aging in small French oak barrels.

Our Take: Bright straw-gold in color, the nose is pronounced and complex, with white peach, pear and ripe citrus joined by white flowers, fresh herbs and subtle mineral notes. The palate is medium-full bodied and beautifully textured, with Friulano providing breadth and richness while Sauvignon and Riesling bring medium-plus acidity and considerably more energy than you might expect from the wine's weight. The flavors are intense and layered, moving between orchard and stone fruit, citrus, herbs and crushed stone, with the small-barrel élevage adding texture without making the wine overtly oaky. The finish is long, fresh and distinctly savory/mineral, with lingering citrus, herbs and salinity. This is a great example of why Collio Bianco can be much more serious than simply a regional white blend—rich enough to drink like a substantial white Burgundy, but with the aromatic lift, acidity and savory character that are distinctly Friulian.

• Varieties: Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling Renano
• Appellation: Collio DOC
• Concept: First developed in 1989 as Nicola Manferrari experimented with the blend that would ultimately lead to Studio di Bianco
• Primary Vineyard: Generally sourced from the estate's Ruttars vineyard, although some vintages can include Friulano from Brazzano
• Ruttars Vineyard: Approximately 2.5 hectares, part of the five-hectare Ruttars property Nicola purchased in 1989
• Exposure: Predominantly southeast-facing hillside
• Soils: Classic Collio Ponca/Flysch, composed of alternating layers of marl and sandstone
• The Blend: Friulano supplies body and power, while Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling Renano contribute acidity, freshness and aromatic lift
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Winemaking: Very gentle pressing followed by fermentation in small French oak barrels
• Élevage: Approximately 9 months in 250-liter oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Alcohol: Approximately 14%
• Aging Potential: Excellent for a Collio Bianco. Current merchant guidance suggests drinking through approximately 2032
• Food Pairing: Excellent with roasted or grilled seafood, richer fish dishes, risotto, poultry and white meats; the combination of texture and acidity also makes this particularly versatile at the table

The Blend & Ruttars Vineyard

The most important thing to understand about this wine is that the blend itself is intentional. Nicola found that Friulano grown in the Ruttars vineyard could become particularly powerful, but sometimes at the expense of finesse. Blending it with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling Renano solved the problem beautifully: the Sauvignon adds aromatic complexity and freshness, while Riesling contributes acidity and structure, giving the broader Friulano a much more energetic framework.

The Ruttars property was purchased by Nicola in 1989, and its southeast-facing hillside became the laboratory for his experiments with blended white wines. Those experiments eventually produced Studio di Bianco, one of Borgo del Tiglio's greatest wines. Collio Bianco developed alongside it and remains closely connected to the same philosophy and vineyard material.

There is also an important selection hierarchy at Borgo del Tiglio. Nicola vinifies parcels and varieties separately and then makes rigorous selections in the cellar. The finest lots are reserved for wines such as Studio di Bianco, while excellent barrels not selected for the top bottling can become part of Collio Bianco. So while this sits below Studio di Bianco in the hierarchy, it gives you a very real taste of the same vineyards, meticulous winemaking and blending philosophy at a considerably lower price.