My recent dining experience at Avartana, ITC Maurya, featuring the newly launched wine pairings with their tasting menus, made me discover how thoughtful pairings can turn a dinner into a sensory experience.
First up is the Cauliflower Crunch with cauliflower florets coated in a gram flour batter and served with dehydrated cauliflower for just the right amount of crunch. For the next round of snacks, Crispy Chilly Potato and Drumstick Dumplings, I am poured a glass of Cheval Quancard Reserve Bordeaux Blanc. This white wine opens with citrus-y notes and a clean acidic snap that works beautifully with the chilli-spice coating of the potatoes and the soft, melt-in-the-mouth dumplings. A Cucumber Sorbet follows as a thoughtful palate cleanser, paving the way for the richer flavours.
As the next plate arrives, the wine pairing steps up with Moulin de Gassac Pinot Noir. The wine gives off a beautiful aroma of red cherries and carries a subtle earthiness. Its berry-rich acidity is perfect at this point in the meal as I dig into the Spiced Boletus and Spinach Curd Cheese, both flavourful, and deeply comforting.
The next course, served with Mala Uthukuli Morel Currybar Parotta Coin, is paired with Warwick The First Lady Pinotage. This one is a darker red with notes of blackberry and raspberry. The bold flavour complements the depth of the curry. At this point, I am nearly full but my smiling server assures me the best is yet to come.
Dessert arrives in the form of a Raw Mango Pudding, and Citrus Coconut, both stunning to look at and a treat for the taste buds. Just as I am about to surrender to post-meal bliss, the final drink arrives, a Coorg Coffee Espresso Martini. Made with beans sourced from Coorg, this cocktail is smooth, slightly bitter, and rounds off with a nutty finish, just the perfect closing note to an indulgent meal.
The ambience at Avartana is warm, sophisticated, and intimate, just what you would want for a romantic dinner or a special celebration with family. Step outside with your wine glass in hand, and treat yourself to the views of lush greenery and a soft breeze that completes the experience. Or stay indoors and soak in the luxurious setting.
If your idea of a great meal includes memorable food and wines that don’t just sit beside your plate but enhance every bite, this new wine-pairing experience is well worth your time.