The varietal was formerly known as Tocai Friulano but has no relation to Hungary’s Tokaji or to France's Tokay d'Alsace (Pinot Gris). From 2008, the name Tocai Friulano was officially banned from wine labels exported from Italy. The Hungarians successfully argued that there was danger of confusing the dry wine of Friuli with the famous sweet Tokaji of Hungary.
Friulano excels in the eastern hills of Friuli, particularly in the DOCs of Collio, Colli Orientali, and Insonzo, and in Brda, Slovenia. The wine is typically tank-fermented, although wooded examples have brought certain producers a good deal of fame and fortune. Top producers of Friulano include: Ronco del Gnemiz, Franco Toròs, Borgo del Tiglio, Livio Felluga, Jermann, Edi Keber, Miani, Schiopetto, Tenuta di Angoris, Russiz Superiore, and Le Vigne di Zamò.
One is often greeted in a restaurant or someone's home with a tajut (meaning "a cut" or small amount) of Friulano as a welcoming gesture. There is no better wine with prosciutto than a cool glass of Friulano. The salty, fatty ham is countered beautifully by the melon- and apple-flavored Friulano.
