By Fergal Gleeson*

David Hook De Novo Rosso Reserva, Central Ranges 2014

Barbera, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese

Now it’s hey Mambo, Mambo Italiano! Chiantis get me a little excited. Bottles from Piedmont make me giddy.

What would an Australian version taste like? This week I tried one of the new breed, an Australian take on an Italian job by David Hook.

David Hook has an impressive CV with stints at Hunter Valley blue bloods Tyrells and Lakes Folly as well as vintages in France and the US. David Hook Wines was established in the Hunter over 20 years ago and is best known for high quality renditions of the Hunter classics: Shiraz and Semillon.

He has caught on to the Mambo Italiano trend in Australia with this wine from the Central Ranges of NSW, a zone that incorporates Mudgee, Cowra, Orange and the Hunter.

While plantings of red Italian grape varieties in Australia are miniscule the volume is growing. David Hook De Novo Rosso Reserva 2014  ticks all the right boxes: Medium bodied, savoury fruit, dusty tannins and lively acidity all present and correct. Very pleasing and true to style.

Expect Italian varietals to be a much bigger part of the wine scene in Australia in 10 years’ time and David Hook right in the middle of it. Now it’s Hey Mambo, Mambo Australiana!

Rating: 3.5/5. RRP $30.  For more Wine Reviews read and follow www.greatwineblog.wordpress.com  Drink and be merry!

*Finalist- New Wine Writer of the Year 2016- WCA /Gourmet Traveller WINE