The 2025 Quealy Mornington Peninsula Pinot Grigio is a benchmark Australian expression of Pinot Grigio from the winery that helped pioneer the variety in Australia. Sourced from multiple organically managed, dry-grown vineyards across Balnarring and the wider Mornington Peninsula, the wine reflects Quealy’s long-standing focus on texture, freshness and a distinctly Friulian-inspired style. Crafted with whole-bunch pressing, spontaneous fermentation and extended lees ageing in stainless steel, it delivers both purity and complexity while maintaining vibrant drinkability. The nose is lifted and expressive, revealing crunchy pear, green apple and ripe stone fruit alongside fresh hay, citrus blossom and subtle wood smoke. There is a distinctive saline and mineral edge, with hints of oyster shell and gentle savoury reduction adding complexity and a cool maritime feel.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with a silky, pulpy texture balanced by bright, chiselled acidity. Orchard fruit and citrus flavours are layered with fine lees creaminess and a subtle mineral backbone, creating a wine that is both refreshing and textural. Compared to simpler Pinot Grigio styles, this shows far greater depth and precision, finishing long, savoury and energetic with excellent balance.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the benchmark Australian Pinot Grigios — a wine that helped define the category locally while still remaining distinctly individual. Compared to lighter, neutral Pinot Grigio styles, the Quealy offers more texture, savoury complexity and coastal minerality, sitting stylistically much closer to the great wines of Friuli in Northern Italy. The 2025 vintage is especially vibrant and complete, with freshness, texture and drinkability all beautifully aligned. Best enjoyed well chilled and young for maximum energy, though it will comfortably evolve over the next 3–5 years. Perfect with seafood, oysters, chargrilled prawns, antipasti or light Mediterranean dishes.
