Variety: Putting an end to consumer confusion in 2007, the EU forced a name change on this variety, formerly known as Tocai Friulano. What with the Tokay of Alsace (Pinot Gris AKA Pinot Beurrot) and the great Hungarian wine Tokaji, it was thought that there were too many similarly named varieties/wines for the wine-buying public to cope with. The official name for this variety is now Sauvignonasse, yet it was Friulano that stuck in the end.

This variety produces the staple jug wine for the bars and restaurants of north east Italy, yet conscientious producers can make something really rather exciting from Friulano. I think that this wine proves that. NB. I must state for the record that this wine is only 85% Friulano, the other 15% being a blend of Malvasia and a local grape called Ribolla Gialla.

Region: The fruit for this wine is grown in the Collio region, yet is vinified in the Colli Orientali and for this reason the wine is labelled IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica), rather than DOC (Denominazione Origine Controllata). 

Producer: Christian Patat is the driving force behind Nec-Otium, a negociant business he created for the express purpose of giving his creativity free rein.