As we entered the private, rather non-descript entrance to the Aman Resort Hotel, we weren’t sure what to expect, but as we drove further up the drive-way and to the reception area, our initial hesitation was quashed. We were greeted with a mass of sandstone, water features and freshly cut green grass. And the cordial staff turned a somewhat austere exterior into a welcoming oasis and retreat in the middle of New Delhi.
The Aman Resort Hotel
A quick search on Google will show that there are a few hotels in Delhi with the name Aman, although I’m sure you won’t be confused as this is the only Aman Resort Hotel. It’s situated on Lodhi Road, near to the gardens and is the newest of the Aman Resorts (of which there are 22 worldwide) having been open and mere 3 months.
The hotel has two restaurants, and of them, the Delhi Wine Club’s event was being held in the Tapas Bar at the front side of the hotel, aptly named, Lodhi.
Within the Lodhi, they have an area dedicated to drinking the hotel’s selection of wines. It feels and looks a little like a wine cellar with a high wooden table which is easy enough to accommodate 30 people, and is called the Corcho. This is open to the public and hotel guests to use when they choose, for that exact purpose, enjoying wine.
Upon arrival to the Lodhi we were immediately greeted by Kavita Faiella, Cellar Master of Aman, in the Corcho, and were offered an aperitif of Fino Vino De Jerez (otherwise known as a Spanish sherry). Initially it seemed a bit early in the day for a glass of sherry, but it was a Sunday afternoon after all, and I thought, why not? Plus, we needed something to wash the Croquetas, Olives, Gazpacho and Almonds down with. All of which gave the makings for a very exciting afternoon ahead of us.
141st Event
It was soon after this that it was announced that this particular event was a very special one, as it was Delhi Wine Club’s 141st. An achievement I’m sure President, Subhash Arora feels very honoured to claim.
From the 141st event, to being my very first Delhi Wine Club event, I was struck down with the friendliness of its members. When attending a club event for the first time, it’s hard to know what to expect. All I can say is that not once were we left standing alone, and its members made us feel very welcome and accepted. So, the initiation was over, and it was time to get stuck into the highlights of the day’s lunch.
The Wine and Tapas
Kavita lead us through the wines and tapas with great panache and flair, all of which she had carefully selected in tandem with Subhash. An enviable task as they had such great tools to work with. The wines were either Italian or Spanish, and were paired with the tapas prepared by the kitchen of the Lodhi. The tapas bar seated 17 either side (a total of 34 guests), and was a fabulous stage for the members of the club, the food and the wines.
From the 5 wines, and 12 tapas we drank and ate our way through over the next couple of hours, the highlight for me was the fourth course, which included Gaja Ca’marcanda Promis, from Tuscany Italy, which was paired with Chicken & Garlic skewers and a smoky aubergine, tomato & peppers on toasted baguette. This wine was truly mouth wateringly delicious; it was full bodied, had silky tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. It was comprised of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. For me, it really was the highlight.
Although winding back the clock to the beginning, upon being seated at the Tapas bar, I also thoroughly enjoyed the white wine selected for the afternoon. A Tuscan wine from Sicily named Planeta La Segreta Bianco. This was the first time I had tried a blend of Grecanico, Chardonnay, Fiano and Viognier. Already familiar with Chardonnay and Viognier, the Grecanico and Fiano were new to me. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for wines of this blend again if so lucky.
We then moved onto a glass of the Bodega Vega Pintia, Toro, Spain. This wine was a good introduction to the reds for the lunch, being a young wine, with good aging potential although drinkable now if a lighter style is enjoyed. The wine was paired with Garlic Prawns and probably one of any tapas menus favourites, Patatas Bravas. This version of the Patatas Bravas had a creamy sauce in addition to the tomato, although it was lacking the picante expected from this dish, which would have complemented the wine so well.
Moving on from the aforementioned to the final wine of the afternoon, it was time for a gutsy, full bodied Castelgiocondo Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Brunello di Montalcino. This Sangiovese varietal, had supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. It could also be considered as concentrated yet balanced. Beautiful and complete. This was paired with a Chorizo Tortilla and Pea, Tomato & Olive salad. The dish wasn’t the crescendo I was expecting but no less enjoyed.
Delightfully, we complemented the meal by dunking our Churros (a Spanish donut which derides its name from the Churro sheep and the shape of its horns) into a drinkable Hot Chocolate. The whole meal in recollection at this time was a flavour sensation having explored 12 tapas and 5 wines.
The Delhi Wine Club
The success of the 141st Delhi Wine Club’s Aman Hotel lunch stands testament to the history of the club and where it positions itself today. An accomplishment that I’m sure Subhash is very proud of.
I’m sure the Delhi Wine Club will continue with success for many years to come, which is a great reflection on its management, but also the members themselves which makes the club welcoming, unpretentious and most of all, fun.
