By Nicola Moyne
WINE buffs will no doubt already be on their way to Pinchos in Chelmsford but in case you haven’t heard, the popular independent Tapas Bar on Baddow Road has just launched a menu with a difference.
Up until 20 June, the popular restaurant will be offering customers a new wine and dine concept called Viva El Vino and I was lucky enough to sample it last week.
The concept is simple: you choose your wine, rather than your food, and the chef whizzes up a tapas dish specifically designed to complement your choice of vino.
And, to truly make the most of the wonderful wines on offer, Pinchos has devised an incredible eight-course menu revolved around eight Camp Viejo wines, for just £28.50 per person.
For this you’ll enjoy eight 35ml wines ranging from sparkling roses to deep reds and plenty of yummy tapas! After perusing the wine list and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere in the Mediterranean styled restaurant, I realised this was going to be a feast to remember!
To start I sampled the Cran Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva, which is a refreshing aperitif-style sparkling wine, as well as bowl of sizzling roasted almonds.
Next up was a glass of Camp Viejo Rose 2008 (a strawberry-driven rose) served with a delicious salmon fishcake.
This was followed by a course of Campo Viejo Viura 2008 (lovely and spicy) and tasty fried shrimp.
After a small breather I then enjoyed a glass of Campo Viejo Crianza 2006, which had a lovely vanilla infusion, and an antipasti-style cold meat platter complete with juicy gherkins, black and green olives and an assortment of cured hams and meat. It was absolutely delicious… but there was more to come!
Next up was the Campo Viejo Reserva 2005 (sweet, cherry flavoured) with chicken liver and onions.
Then it was onto the Camp Viejo Gran Reserva 2002, which was served with a delicious serving of Spanish sausages pan fried in red wine.
The penultimate wine was Dominio de Campo Viejo Reserva 2004 and this deep red ruby wine was complemented by a beef and chicken paella.
Last but not least was a glass of gorgeous Gran Camp Viejo Cara Rose. This powerful red went down a treat with a delicious bowl of creme brulee - the perfect end to a mysterious meal.
Indeed, if you’re a keen wine drinker and want to try new foods to suit your beverage, then this is the perfect option. And don’t worry if you’re vegetarian, or only want to drink certain wines. Pinchos can work around your requirements; the main thing is you sit back, enjoy the wine and lap up the element of surprise!
Beverely Acevedo, owner of Pinchose, comments: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Camp Viejo to encourage our diners to add an air of mystery to their dining experience. We are truly passionate about Spanish cooking and we pride ourselves on creating dishes that impress and excite our customers.
“The ‘Viva el Vina’ campaign is a great way of getting people to really think about the wine and tapas they are enjoying and understand how great wine can complement and lift the flavours of the dishes they eat.”
For further details, or to book, call Pinchos on 01245 268268 or visit www.pinchosrestaurant.com.