2022 Scorpo Bestia Pinot Grigio, Mornington Peninsula

I’m a fan of Bestia even if this vintage feels a tad unripe, with the skin contact exacerbating lots of green flavours. Having said that, it has a splash of Campari/chinotto, a certain vitality and refreshment, with tangy, juicy blood orange and Italian bitter herbs. It needs food to stem the wintergreen/herbal edges and sinewy, chewy tannins pulling on the finis

90 points Jane Faulkner winecompanion.com.au

Scorpo Bestia Pinot Grigio is a lively and textural take on this classic white variety, crafted with flair by the Scorpo family in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Known for their meticulous viticulture and thoughtful winemaking, the Scorpos have earned a strong reputation for producing wines that reflect the cool climate and coastal influence of their Red Hill vineyard. The Bestia range leans into experimentation and energy, offering wines that are bold, expressive and a little wild—hence the name, which translates to “beast” in Italian.

Fruit for the Bestia Pinot Grigio is handpicked from estate vines grown in volcanic and clay-loam soils. Mornington’s maritime climate brings cool nights and long daylight hours during the growing season, helping the fruit retain vibrant acidity while developing delicate aromatics. The wine is made with a portion of skin contact—rare for Pinot Grigio in Australia—resulting in a slightly deeper colour, extra texture and layers of savoury complexity.

Fermented wild and left on lees for added richness, it’s a far cry from the simple, neutral styles associated with the grape. In the glass, it opens with aromas of white pear, nectarine and mandarin peel, alongside floral notes, almond skin and a touch of ginger spice. The palate is fleshy yet energetic, with orchard fruit, citrus zest, a chalky line of acidity and a saline, gently grippy finish.

It’s the kind of Pinot Grigio that invites food—grilled calamari with lemon and parsley, scallop crudo, roast chicken with fennel or even a mushroom and thyme risotto. The subtle phenolic grip also makes it a brilliant match for richer vegetarian dishes or soft cheeses.

The Bestia Pinot Grigio stands out in the increasingly exciting category of textural, skin-contact-influenced whites in Australia. It’s expressive, handcrafted and offers a more characterful lens through which to enjoy this often underestimated grape.