Named after the Pobblebonk frogs that clearly love life in Quealy’s vineyards and wetlands, this is an excellent introduction to Quealy’s Friuli-inspired blends. This year’s blend comprises Riesling (43%), Friulano (31%), Pinot Grigio (23%) and Ribolla Gialla (3%), all sourced from Quealy’s mature white vines rooted in the family’s organically managed estate in Balnarring. The Riesling and Chardonnay were planted in 1982, the Friulano was grafted onto 1996 Chardonnay roots in 2007, and the youngster Ribolla took root in 2018. Winemaker Tom McCarthy and his team picked and fermented the varieties separately with indigenous yeasts in old barrels with full solids. After blending, the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
After a string of low-yielding seasons, 2024 provided little reprieve for growers on the Peninsula. Despite the low crop, Tom McCarthy describes the vintage as a joy to work with. “The fruit has incredible concentration.” It gleams with spring freshness. Meadow flowers and sun-kissed citrus commingle with nutty kernel and savoury notes, lending complexity. It’s pithy and fresh, with just the right weight and grip. A very strong showing this year; fans of this wine will not be disappointed.