The ever-popular Amari Wine Experience had a change of venue for the June event held on Friday the 24th as it moved from the gardens to the 1st floor of the stunning Mantra restaurant.
Mantra exudes class, and the table setup on the 1st floor created a very cozy atmosphere. The theme this month was Chilean wines supplied from Wine Pro, a company that sells exclusively to hotels, bars and restaurants, with over 60 wines in their portfolio and offices in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Samui.
Keeping with the Wine Experience concept guests were treated to two whites and two reds, but to get things started it was a chilled glass of Italian Coralba Spumante Brut, a pale yellow-green with a fresh and floral palate.
Amari Executive Chef Shaun Venter explained that he had sampled the wines beforehand which enabled him to create dishes that would complement the wines.
Highlights of which were the smoked salmon tartare, steamed Spanish mussels, Italian meat balls in spicy chorizo and tomato sauce, salmon piccata, roast pork with baked potatoes, desserts and cheeses.
The ringing of the bell signified that the 2015 Paso del Sol Sauvignon Blanc, the first of the whites, was now being served. This wine comes from the central valley and has a pale straw yellow color with a lively fresh palate of citrus fruits and a crispy finish.
Next up was the Paso del Sol 2015 Chardonnay, again from the central valley, pale in colour, deliciously fresh, dry and well balanced with crisp aromas of green apple, ripe melon and tropical pineapple.
A 2014 Paso del Paso Merlot was the first of the reds. This was a soft and vibrant wine with red berries and aromas.
Last up was the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, a ripe and juicy wine, with notes of cassis, ripe plums and fresh berries.
Many regulars were at the event and the consensus was that it worked very well in Mantra, with the main restaurant below and the live band playing at a level where people could easily converse.
The Wine Experience falls on the last Friday of every month. For more information, please contact Amari Pattaya on +66 (0) 3841 8418 or email [email protected].
