Frequent Flyer: Kathleen Quealy

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This was published 11 years ago

Frequent Flyer: Kathleen Quealy

By Jane Reddy
Mornington Peninsula vigneron Kathleen Quealy.

Mornington Peninsula vigneron Kathleen Quealy.

This winemaker never travels for long, and we can't blame her.

Q Name the key qualities of the Mornington Peninsula.

A The maritime climate, accentuated by two bays and the Southern Ocean surrounding a narrow boot of land, ensures the temperature is always cool, day and night. The climate helps create wines of perfume and subtlety. The edges of our narrow peninsula are coastal plains rich in organic matter that are naturally fertile, promoting lip-smacking flavour, especially with pinot noir. Red Hill stands in the middle, an old cold volcano, with more red volcanic soils along Main Ridge down to Flinders.

Q Where is home?

A We live at Balnarring Vineyard. Walk out the door and you are at work.

Q Is there a European equivalent?

A It is more about individual elements: we are cool enough to make complex perfumed pinot noir, overcast enough to make aromatic white blends and the autumn is long and gentle enough to create pinot gris of great power. If anywhere, perhaps it is the hinterland of the Adriatic Sea - Friuli - the home of a variety called friulano, which we grow. Mornington Peninsula has been described as the crucible of pinot grigio and the very best Italian grigio is from Friuli.

Q Best travel advice ever received?

A Don't overstay your welcome.

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Q What's in your hand luggage?

A Everything I need; I never travel for long.

Q Where to next?

A I'm interested in the ancient wine worlds of Georgia,Turkey and Greece. I hope to visit farms and cellars. I'm also off to the Napa Valley soon.

Q Where is there room for industry improvement?

A It's time Australia recognised the imperative of great vineyard sites and mature vines. An appellation system of grading vineyards and setting parameters would nurture our best vineyards and winemakers. Phylloxera is a looming disaster; the politics of the wine industry allow massive movements of potentially insect-infested grapes and machinery.

Twenty Mornington Peninsula vignerons showcase their wines at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art on Monday, August 20. See mpva.com.au.

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