The Friulano grape, once commonly known as Tocai Friulano, is a white-wine grape variant that originates from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region in northeastern Italy. It gets its distinctive character from the region's unique climatic condition, combined with the clay and limestone-rich soils of this area. The exact origin of the Friulano grape is still unclear, but it is generally believed to be of Hungarian descent.
The Friulano grape is particularly cherished for its abundant, full-bodied output, reaching optimal ripeness in the first week of September. It is known for producing dry wines, with a telltale characteristic of almond notes in the finish. These wines also tend to exhibit moderate to high acidity, providing a refreshing sip with delicate floral and fruit aromas, typically suggesting hints of green pears, citrus, almonds, herbs, and a touch of savoury complexity.
Due to its pronounced character, Friulano is often enjoyed as a single varietal, but it also blends well with other local grape types such as Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc to add substance and complexity. The late-harvest Friulano Specogna Picolit, a semi-sweet wine, enjoys particular fame for its rich fruity and honeyed notes.
The reputation of the Friulano grape was challenged in 2007 by a ruling from the European Union forcing producers in Friuli to drop the name Tocai Friulano, to prevent confusion with Hungary's Tokaji. Despite the name change, the Friulano grape still continues to captivate wine connoisseurs all over the world with its depth, complexity, and fantastic potential for ageing. This versatile grape is a proud symbol of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region's rich viticultural heritage.
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