Overview of Friulano

The Friulano grape (until recently known as Tocai Friulano until Hungary locked up the use of 'Tocai' outside it's borders) can produce beautifully aromatic, complex whites in the Friuli-Venezia-Giulia region of northeastern Italy which is bordered on the north by Austria and east by Slovenia. It produces cool, crisp white wines with pronounced minerality, acidity and deceptive richness and focus. In the hands of the very best producers such as Ronchi di Cialla, it can have a complexity and age worthiness that rivals the best white Burgundies. Schiopetto, Meroi, Ronco del Gnemiz, Borgo del Tiglio and Miani are other notable top producers. In California, Palmina has added it to their portfolio of Italian varietals with some success. Though relatively unknown, it is seen by aficionados as one of the top white wines of Italy.