The Wine Reference🍷 SupportFriulano grape
Friulano is a white grape known for pear, almond, herbs. Its best-known homes are Friuli.
Origin and history
Originally from south-west France; DNA shows it is the same grape as Sauvignonasse (Sauvignon Vert). Long called Tocai Friulano in north-east Italy.
Where it grows
Friuli: Collio, Friuli Colli Orientali and Isonzo; also Slovenian Brda, the Veneto, and Chile, where it was long mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc.
Structure
Medium to full body, moderate acidity and a rich, slightly oily texture; dry, with a signature bitter twist on the finish.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: pear, green apple, almond, meadow flowers and fresh herbs. With age: honey, hazelnut, chamomile and a gently nutty richness.
Ageing
Most is best within 1–4 years; top Collio and Colli Orientali bottles can age for 8–10 years.
Also known as
Sauvignonasse, Sauvignon Vert, formerly Tocai Friulano; Jakot in Slovenia.
Good to know
An EU ruling protecting Hungary's Tokaj banned the name 'Tocai' from 2007; some Friulian growers pointedly labelled their wine 'Jakot', Tokaj spelt backwards.
Wine regions for Friulano
Friulano wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Schiopetto Friulano
Friuli-Venezia Giulia · Collio · Friulano
Creamy texture, almond, pear and wild herbs with a bitter-almond finish.
Food: Prosciutto di San Daniele, asparagus, frittata
Similar white grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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