Tocai; Tocai Friulano
A white-wine grape widely grown in and around Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. When Tocai (also called Tocai Friulano) vines are pruned back and the yields held down, this variety can produce elegant yet lively, full-bodied (see body) wines. Otherwise, Tocai produces rather bland juice, most of which finds its way into jug wines. Tocai is unrelated to Tokay d’Alsace (which is actually Pinot Gris) or to Hungary’s famous Tokay wines (which are made primarily from the Furmint grape). Tocai Italico is a related clone, but Tocai Rosso—a minor red variety—is not. Tocai is also called Sauvignonasse, Sauvignon, and Tokai.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.