Wines of the Month
2011 David Hook Barbera
Hunter Valley, NSW
'Foodability plus' is how I would describe this Barbera. David Hook is a Hunter Valley local making some big waves with Italian varietals. While he makes some classic Hunter Semillon and Shiraz, among his Italian varietals you will also find his suave De Novo Rosso which is a Hunter Valley blend of Barbera, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. The Barbera for this wine is sourced from a vineyard overlooked by Mt Canobolas in the cooler Central Ranges region.
Perhaps a touch more feminine than the De Novo Rosso, this Barbera sits very prettily with its purple hues in the glass. There is a feisty spice to the roses and fresh cherry raspberry aromatics that are joined by some savoury dried herbs on the palate. Elegant and medium bodied, there is a touch of firmness to the tannins to ensure that this moda donna is not without substance. The flavours linger in the mouth a lot longer than the glimpse of a speeding Ferrari and are more satisfying as you take that next sip.
Sure it will be bellisimo with Antipasti but why limit your repertoire to Italian food with this wine? Instead, consider warm duck salad with garden fresh beetroot sprinkled with creamy feta and pomegranate, or lamb chops on a bed of herbed coucous to soften those tannins a little.
Distribution: on-line, fine wine stores, restaurants cellar door.
Value: $30.00
www.davidhookwines.com.au
© Lisa Johnston August 2012
Wine Diva Wines of the Month, September 2012
