The grape variety with a focus on Friuli is actually called Tocai Friulano. However, after an intervention by the Tokaji region in Hungary, the name Tocai was banned by an EU decree in order to avoid misunderstandings. Today the variety is simply called Friulano. In principle, this is not the correct name either, because in fact this is a long-established grape variety from Bordeaux under the name Sauvignonasse, which no longer plays a role there. Especially in Chile, but also elsewhere, it was equated or confused with Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, there are no family relationships between the two varieties. Friulano was introduced to Friuli in the 19th century, where it now stands for fresh and lively fruity white wines. The Friulano is vigorous and produces good yields; it sprouts early and reaches maturity after a short to medium ripening period. It is susceptible to a whole range of diseases, especially powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot and sour rot. The Friulano is most widespread in Friuli, especially in the sub-regions Collio, Colli Orientali, Grave del Friuli and Isonzo. However, there are also small plantations in Veneto and Lombardy. There are also small plantings in Slovenia. In Chile, Friulano grows on several hundred hectares, although it is often misleadingly marketed as Sauvignon Blanc. A few hundred hectares are also under vines in Mendoza, Argentina.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Cinquien, Blanc Doux, Istarski Tokay, Furlanski Tokaj, Sauvignonasse, Sauvignonazz, Sauvignon De La Correze, Sauvignon A Gros Grains, Sauvignon Gros, Tocai Bianco, Tocai Italico, Tocai Italiano, Tocai Friulano, Tocay Fruilano, Sauvignon Vert A Besson
