Friulano

Also known as Tocai Friulano, Sauvignonasse, Sauvignon Vert.

Friulano is the flagship white wine grape of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it was long known as Tocai Friulano until a European ruling over the Hungarian 'Tokaj' name forced Italy to rename it 'Friulano' from the 2007 vintage. It is ampelographically the same variety as the French Sauvignonasse (Sauvignon Vert). It is grown across the region, reaching its finest expression on the 'ponca' marls of the Collio and Colli Orientali hills.

Friulano produces dry white wines of medium body and straw-yellow color, with a characteristic bitter-almond note alongside pear, white flowers and a subtle herbal, mineral character and fresh acidity. It is the traditional everyday white of the Friulian osteria as well as the base of many age-worthy cru bottlings.