Introduction
The 2022 Unico Zelo Truffle Hound is a unique and captivating blend from South Australia, crafted by the innovative team at Unico Zelo. Known for their unconventional and terroir-driven wines, Unico Zelo focuses on creating vibrant, food-friendly wines using Italian grape varieties that thrive in Australia’s diverse climate. Truffle Hound is an approachable, medium-bodied red that combines the structure and spice of Italian varietals with the freshness and juiciness that Unico Zelo is known for. It’s a versatile red, perfect for pairing with a wide range of foods.

Terrior
Unico Zelo sources the grapes for Truffle Hound from vineyards across South Australia's Riverland and Clare Valley regions. The warm Mediterranean climate in Riverland, combined with the cooler conditions in Clare Valley, allows for a balanced expression with ripe fruit, lively acidity, and complex aromatics. The sandy, well-drained soils in Riverland and the mineral-rich, limestone soils in Clare Valley both contribute to the wine’s fresh, bright character and add subtle earthy undertones.

Appearance
The wine shows a vibrant, medium ruby color with slight purple tints, indicating its youth and freshness. The clarity is bright, with a moderate intensity that hints at its juicy, easy-drinking nature.

Nose
On the nose, Truffle Hound is aromatic and inviting, with a bouquet of red cherry, plum, and raspberry. These juicy red fruits are complemented by herbal notes of rosemary and sage, along with a subtle hint of earthiness reminiscent of truffles, as the name suggests. A touch of black pepper and spice adds complexity, making the aroma both fresh and slightly rustic.

Palate
On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a smooth, supple texture. The red fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate are juicy and vibrant, balanced by earthy undertones and savory notes of olive tapenade and dried herbs. The acidity is bright and refreshing, keeping the wine lively and lifting the fruit flavors. The tannins are soft and approachable, giving structure without overpowering the fruit.

Finish
The finish is clean and lingering, with a pleasant minerality and herbal quality that gives it an extra layer of depth. The acidity keeps the palate fresh, making it an excellent wine to enjoy with food.

Overall Impression
The 2022 Unico Zelo Truffle Hound is an enjoyable and versatile red that brings together Italian varietals with an Australian twist. Its juicy, fruit-forward character, combined with earthy and herbal undertones, makes it a fun, approachable wine that pairs well with pizza, pasta, or grilled vegetables. It’s a wine meant for casual drinking but offers enough complexity to satisfy more adventurous palates. This is a great pick for those looking to explore Italian varietals grown in Australia.

Published Rankings
Robert Parker Rating: 90

Published Awards and Recognition
Bronze Medal - Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show 2022

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Unico Zelo
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: Australia
Region: South Australia (Riverland & Clare Valley)
Grape Varietals: Primarily Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry Red
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in stainless steel with partial carbonic maceration, minimal oak influence to retain freshness and varietal character
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Bottle
Closure Style: Screw Cap