Wine Grape: Tocai Friulano (Friulano)
Friulano is a white wine grape probably originally from Italy's Veneto region, exported to Hungary in 1632 as part of Contessa Aurora Formentini's dowry when she married Count Batthyàny, and then returned to Italy with the new name. It is the most planted white grape in Friuli.
Since March 31st, 2007 Tocai Friulano can no longer use the word 'Tocai'. To address concerns of Hungarian wine producers, the grape is now called 'Friulano' to avoid any confusion with the Hungarian Tokaji, a wine made mostly with the Furmint grape. This grape should not be confused with Tokay d'Alsace either, which is really Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio). In Chile, plantings of Tocai Friulano were erroneously thought to be Sauvignon Blanc.
Synonyms
Also known as Blanc Doux, Cinquien, Sauvignon Vert, Sauvignonasse, Toca, Tokai, Tocai Bianco, Tocai Italiano, Tocai Italico, Trebbianello
Where
Italy: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto
Also: California, Chile, New York. In Argentina there's a grape called Tokai Friulano, but it's not sure it's the same vine.
Principal Wines
Italy: Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Collio Goriziano or Collio DOC, Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, Friuli-Annia DOC, Friuli Aquileia DOC, Friuli Grave DOC, Friuli Isonzo or Isonzo del Friuli DOC, Friuli Latisana DOC; Veneto: Bagnoli di Sopra or Bagnoli DOC, Breganze DOC, Colli Berici DOC, Colli Euganei DOC, Corti Benedettine del Padovano DOC, Garda DOC, Lison-Pramaggiore DOC, Merlara DOC, Riviera del Brenta DOC, San Martino della Battaglia DOC, Vini del Piave or Piave DOC
Characteristics
Color: Straw yellow with green hues.
Nose: Floral (almond flowers), Fruity (apples), Nutty (bitter almond), Vegetal (hay)
Palate: Medium Body . The softness and alcohol are well balanced by medium acidity and savoriness.
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