The Drop: Lucio’s Marina

Located on the picturesque Noosa Marina, Lucio’s Marina offers an elevated dining experience in a refined yet relaxed waterside setting. Continuing the Galletto family’s storied legacy in hospitality, the restaurant brings exceptional food, wine and warm service to the heart of a vibrant community.

At its core, Lucio’s Marina is a seafood trattoria, honouring the traditions of Northern Italy while embracing the bounty of Australia’s local waters. With a strong focus on Italian culinary heritage infused with Australian creativity, owners Matteo and Dieuwke, together with their team, have crafted a menu designed to transport diners to the Italian coast, paying homage to the spirit of the original Lucio’s while charting a bold new course.

For Lucio’s Marina and owner Matteo Galletto, some of the best wines coming out of Italy are Pinot Grigio, you just need to know where to look and where to buy. He shows us his top picks from his expansive wine list.

Wine List

1. Colterenzio Pinot Grigio

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

High-elevation vineyards in Alto Adige produce Pinot Grigio with remarkable freshness and focus. These wines reflect the mountain terroir, cool climate, rocky soils and pure air. Matteo describes them as crisp, dry, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio’s that really shine with food. Expect sharp acidity, precise flavours of lemon zest, green pear and stone, with a clean, refreshing finish. This is Pinot Grigio with poise and energy.

TASTING NOTES

Citrus Fruits, Peach, Honeydew Melon

Pair with

Seafood, alpine cheeses, or light pasta dishes.

TASTING NOTES

Apple, Lemon, White Pear, Chalk, Grass, Hazelnut

Pair with

Fish pie, antipasto and aromatic chicken dishes.

2. Ca' di Alte Pinot Grigio

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

This is the most widely available and recognisable style of Pinot Grigio, grown extensively in the Veneto region. It’s designed for mass appeal. Light-bodied, clean and neutral, often with soft citrus and green apple notes. As Matteo puts it, it’s mass-produced, easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing, a wine that won’t offend anyone, but also won’t leave a lasting impression. Ideal for casual sipping or large gatherings where simplicity is key. Think of it as the “default” Pinot Grigio.

3. Visintini Pinot Grigio

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

Ramato is a traditional style where Pinot Grigio grapes spend time macerating on their skins, imparting a blush, copper, or even amber hue to the wine. Matteo calls it the pinnacle of what Pinot Grigio can be. These wines are complex and aromatic, offering notes of wild berries, orange peel, herbs and spice, with a textured palate and light tannins. Ramato is Pinot Grigio reimagined as a serious, character-driven wine. It’s versatile, food-friendly and full of personality.

TASTING NOTES

Wild Berries, Orange Peel, Herbs and Spice

Pair with

Light and fresh seafood dishes.

TASTING NOTES

Fruity, Fragrant, Warm Bread, Acacia Blossom, Ripe Tropical Fruit

Pair with

Parma ham, fish and white meats. Excellent as an apéritif.

4. Tunella Pinot Grigio

WHY WE LOVE THIS WINE

Pinot Grigio from Friuli takes the grape to another level. The region’s mix of mountainous terrain and maritime influence (only 10–15 km from the Adriatic Sea) creates wines with depth, salinity and structure. These wines are almost trying to be Chardonnay. Rounder, more textural, with a lot more length and persistency. You’ll find notes of ripe melon, almond and white peach, supported by a soft, creamy texture and mineral backbone. These wines are built for contemplation and pairing with richer dishes.

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The Drop: Lucio’s Marina

Wine List

1. Colterenzio Pinot Grigio

2. Ca' di Alte Pinot Grigio

3. Visintini Pinot Grigio

4. Tunella Pinot Grigio

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