Friulano
Friulano has undergone an identity crisis over the past few decades. Although it is originally from Western France, it is mainly produced in the region of Fruili in Northeastern Italy. There, it was known as Tocai Friulano until 1995, when European Union courts awarded exclusive use of the name to Hungarian Tokaj winemakers for their dessert wine. It is also often referred to as Sauvignonasse, which causes many to confuse the wine with Sauvignon Blanc.
In short, poor Friulano is its own unique variety, yet it is very rarely celebrated. Considering it is one of the very few wines that go well with difficult-to-pair vegetables––like asparagus, cabbage, artichokes, and brussels sprouts––we think it should be given more acclaim.
Winemaker Carlo De Lorenzi’s family has been producing wine in Northeastern Italy since 1973 and boasts vineyards in two prime regions that hold Denominazione di Origine Controllata(DOC) status: Friuli Grave and Friuli Lison. The 2016 De Lorenzi Verduzzo Friulano has beautiful freshness and notes of green apple and herbs. It is perfect with white fish with lemon butter and capers, roasted vegetables, and prosciutto and arugula appetizers.