The 2024 Quealy Balnarring Pinot Grigio is a benchmark Mornington Peninsula expression from one of Australia’s pioneering Pinot Grigio producers. Sourced from organically managed vineyards in Balnarring, including the Hester and Campbell & Christine sites, the wine reflects Quealy’s long-standing Friulian-inspired approach — prioritising texture, savoury complexity and natural acidity over simple fruitiness. Crafted with wild fermentation, minimal handling and only the delicate free-run juice, it delivers remarkable purity and finesse. The nose is lifted and expressive, revealing nashi pear, green melon and ripe pear layered with citrus blossom, white flowers and subtle wood smoke. There are distinctive savoury and mineral nuances of oyster shell, river stone and white almond, giving the wine a coastal freshness and complexity that sits beautifully alongside the bright fruit profile.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with a silky, gently creamy texture balanced by vibrant natural acidity. Flavours of pear, green grapefruit, gold kiwi and citrus zest are supported by a fine mineral backbone and subtle phenolic grip. Compared to lighter, more neutral Pinot Grigio styles, this wine shows far greater texture and depth while still remaining fresh, energetic and highly drinkable. The finish is long, dry and quietly savoury, with lingering notes of pear skin, white pepper and citrus pith.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the benchmark Australian Pinot Grigios — combining the freshness and drinkability people love in the variety with a far more serious, textural and mineral-driven profile. Compared to simple commercial Pinot Grigio, the Balnarring bottling offers significantly more complexity, savoury detail and food versatility, sitting stylistically much closer to the great wines of Friuli in Northern Italy. The 2024 vintage is especially strong, with excellent purity, tension and balance from low-yielding organically farmed vineyards. Best enjoyed well chilled and young for maximum vibrancy, though it will comfortably evolve over the next 3–5 years. Perfect with oysters, seafood, antipasti, fresh pasta or light Mediterranean dishes.
