Friulano
Friuli's Identity Crisis
Friulano is grown in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli.
2other names
- Tastes of
- white peach, almond, pear and herbs
- Goes with
- prosciutto di san daniele, asparagus and seafood risotto
- Also called
- Tocai Friulano, Sauvignonasse
The story
Friulano was called 'Tocai Friulano' until 2007. Hungary sued—'Tocai' was too similar to 'Tokaji.' Italy lost. The grape was renamed 'Friulano.' Producers were furious.
Insider story
For centuries, Friuli's signature grape was 'Tocai Friulano.' It had nothing to do with Hungarian Tokaji—different grape, different wine. But the name was similar.
In 2007, after years of legal battles, the EU ruled for Hungary. Italy had to rename the grape. 'Tocai Friulano' became 'Friulano.' Producers were outraged.
The name change hurt sales. Consumers were confused. 'What's Friulano? Is it the same as Tocai?' It took years to rebuild recognition.
But Friulano remains Friuli's greatest white—almond, citrus, mineral, age-worthy. The best examples rival white Burgundy.
Technical deep dive
Friulano has moderate acidity (5.5-6.5 g/L), almond and citrus aromatics, and a slightly bitter finish. Alcohol: 12.5-13.5% ABV.
Collio and Friuli Colli Orientali are the top zones. Ponca soils (marl and sandstone) produce mineral, structured Friulano.
Oak: some producers use oak aging (6-12 months) for complexity. Others use stainless steel for freshness.
Industry secrets
Friulano from top producers (Vie di Romans, Livio Felluga, Jermann) ages 10-15 years. $25-50 bottles rival $80-100 white Burgundy. But nobody knows because 'Friulano' sounds unfamiliar.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Minimal. Vie di Romans ($60)
- Blue-chip producers
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- Vie di Romans
- Livio Felluga
- Jermann
- Schiopetto
- Value picks
- Collio Friulano ($20-40)
- Price trend
- Stable. Name change from Tocai hurt recognition.
- Collector’s tip
- Not investment-grade. Top producers age 10-15 years. Name change hurt market recognition.