Friulano

Friulano is mainly known as one of the significant varieties of Friuli Venezia-Giulia in Italy's northeast, either in a blend or as a varietal wine. It is grown in other parts of Italy's northeast and has different names. In the eastern part of Veneto, it is called Tai Bianco (unrelated to Tai Rosso, which is, in fact, Grenache Noir), and Trebbianello in the western parts of Veneto, specifically in Custoza. We have a sneaking suspicion that this may be the so-called 'Saorin' variety that Quintarelli has planted in his vineyards in Valpolicella, forming part of the blend of Bianco Secco. However, we need a way of proving this. Even Quintarelli themselves are still determining this variety's origins.

Historically, this variety was known as Tocai, or Tocai Friulano, in Italy but was renamed due to pressure from producers in Tokaj, Hungary, which confused consumers. Similarly, there is no relation to the historical name 'Tokay' for Pinot Gris (or Tokay-Pinot Gris) in Alsace. Elsewhere in the world, it is known as Sauvignonasse or Sauvignon Vert. There are some plantings in Bordeaux and elsewhere in south-west France. There are plantings amongst Chile's Sauvignon Blanc vines which have historically been mistaken for the latter.