Bellvale Pinot Grigio 2018

90pts – James Halliday

The (very) cool South Gippsland area is not as known for Pinot Grigio (also called Pinot Gris) as it is for Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, yet this local expression is a stellar example of what can be achieved with juicy Grigio grapes & some old-fashioned love, care & attention to detail. The Bellvale Winery succeeds in marrying the acidity & roundness of the traditional Italian style with refreshing, harmonious notes of stone fruit & pear. This is a subtle and aromatic white wine, smoothly textured with a delicate, clean mouth feel.

“Three clones, cool fermented, aged for 4 months on stirred lees, some in used oak barrels. The result is a wine with freshness its raison d’etre, the oak an input to texture, not flavour. Nashi pear & apple fill the palate nicely before acidity trims the finish.” – James Halliday