Community Review

Friulano Tenute Tomasella (DOC Friuli Grave) 2013

Friuli Grave, Italy

Community Score: 4.6/5
Community Reviews: 1

Alcohol: 12%

Drink: Now

Stephen Beaumont CSW CWE rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Tasted at a fascinating seminar in Toronto organized by Simply Italian, this was quite a revelation.

The Friulano grape is closely related to the the Sauvignon Blanc and is occasionally called Sauvignon Vert. In Northern Italy where it is best known, the grape used to be known as Tocai, however it became illegal to use that name on labels in 2007 because of the confusion with the Hungarian wine Tokaj. But regardless of the name, this grape can produce some remarkable wines when in the hands of a skilled winemaker and the climatic conditions are favourable as they were in Friuli Grave in 2013. (2014 was a different story, with a lot of rain, making it hard to get the concentrations necessary for a wine of layered complexity)

The winery of Tenute Tomasella just celebrated its 50th anniversary and while the wine has yet to appear in Canada, the odds are good that it will arrive here soon. The foreign ambassador for the wine, Annette Lizotte is married to a Quebecois and pushing hard to have it appear on our shelves. I hope she succeeds because the wine is delicious!

There are many paradoxes present: the light straw colour is tinged with green (remember the Friulano grape is also known as Sauvignon Vert, so perhaps that is why?) There are subtle notes of wild flowers and blossoms which but also green apples and pears that are also present on the palate. There is plenty of acidity and yet this wine goes through the malolactic fermentation process that is not typical of crispy, more acidic examples. This softens the acidity yet it is still amply present making it a great food wine, especially for the Alpine cuisine of nutty cheeses and salamis in particular. I was craving almonds while tasting it too - in fact I can imagine nothing better than a lunch of just those ingredients!

Look out for this wine when it arrives here. Highly recommended.

Read Natalie's Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Boya White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc 2024,
Leyda Valley D.O. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,881 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,881 strong:

Community Review