The Tocai Friulano grape is a distinct white grape variety that hails from the Northeastern region of Italy, particularly the Friuli-Venezia Giulia area. It was originally known as Tocai Friulano, but due to a European Union ruling, the varietal dropped the "Tocai" in 2007 to avoid confusion with Hungary's Tokaji wine.
The vine thrives in dry and cool climates, where it produces an abundant yield. The Friulano grape is relatively resistant to the majority of diseases that plague other vines, making it rather hardy and consistent in its output.
Tocai Friulano wines are deemed some of the most superior white wines from Italy, contributing greatly to the Italian white wine renaissance. The wine highlights a characteristic almond note, along with flavours of citrus fruits, pears, and white peaches. It's renowned for its striking balance of vibrant acidity and weighty texture.
Despite having a relatively low aromatic profile compared to its counterparts, the Friulano grape yields a wine that couples a firm, rich body with a delicately understated fragrance. These wines typically open with a floral bouquet that hints at notes of wildflowers and fresh cut grass.
On the palate, these wines showcase a mellow white-fruit profile, giving way to a fascinatingly long, almond-tinged finish. Notably, as it ages, the wine develops a complexity of flavours and a richly textured body, making it a white wine that improves with a bit of maturity.
Aside from its stand-out qualities, Friulano wines hold a high potential for ageing and develop complex characteristics when bottled under proper conditions. It is often considered a versatile and capable grape variety, that is worth discovering for lovers of Italian wines.
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