Friulano is one of the most representative white grape varieties of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it has found its ideal growing environment and a deep-rooted sense of place. Its origin has long been a subject of debate, whilst ampelographic analysis now traces it back to the Sauvignonasse variety. Until 2007, it was known as Tocai Friulano: the name change was introduced to distinguish it from the Hungarian Tokaji, with which it shares neither origin nor oenological characteristics.
The leaf is medium-sized, rounded or pentagonal, generally three-lobed, with a slightly wavy margin and an almost hairless underside. The bunch, medium-sized and elongated, has a cylindrical-pyramidal shape, one or two wings and a balanced compactness. The berries are medium-sized, spherical, with a pruinose, yellowish-green skin and juicy flesh, with a characteristic almond-like flavour.
Widespread mainly in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, it thrives in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Collio and the hilly and lowland areas of the provinces of Udine and Gorizia; it is also found in eastern Veneto and the neighbouring Slovenian regions. The wine is straw-yellow in colour, sometimes golden, with delicate aromas of flowers, white fruit, delicate herbs and almonds. On the palate, it is dry, savoury, full-bodied and harmonious, supported by good structure. The finest examples, particularly those from hillside vineyards and with adequate ageing, develop complexity and a pleasant longevity.
