 While one could add the event to the innumerable US Presidential Inaugural Balls held around the globe on January the 20th, it was in fact organised to welcome and introduce the new Italian Ambassador, H.E. Roberto Toscano to the members. It turned out to be a pretty affair, as they also welcomed Miz. Liz Fleming, the new Resident Manager of the Hotel, who had perhaps not even presented credentials to her new boss Tim Bruce- the GM of the hotel. H.E. Luis Philip Castro, Ambassador of Portugal was also present with his wife as special invitees.
With the inauguration proceedings in the US as the back drop on TV at the rear section of the Polo Lounge, the members and guests enjoyed the Arancini di riso Bolognese and Bruschetta al pomodoro, basilica and Parmigiano with the Sauvignon Sanct Valentin 2006. Served at a perfect 10° C, it was a preview of the fine wine portfolio Amfora Wines claims to have. Unanimously acclaimed by all present, it justified the 13-14 continuous annual 3-glasses it has been awarded by Gambero Rosso, according to Ranjit Gupta who imports this wine from Alto Adige based producer St. Michael Eppan.
 Anatra al forno, Fichi caramellati and rucola salad, essentially duck confit with figs and rucola salad leaves made for a crisp and delicious start at la Piazza, that could have done equally well without the Ribolla Gialla DOC 2006 from Girolamo Dorigo, a well known producer from Friuli-Venezia- Giulia.
The wine was also a good example of how some of Italy's indigenous grapes don't make you fall in love with them on the first sip. The Cannellini beans soup with prawns and Parma ham was simply divine but towered over the golden Ribolla which could not create any synergies.
However, Fusilli alla salsiccia di maiale- home made fusilli with pork sausage, roasted garlic, thyme and Tuscan Pecorino with the Super Tuscan Fontalloro 2003 from Felsina in Tuscany was a perfect example of how 10 and 10 make 22.
 Puer Apuliae Nero de Troia Castel del Monte DOC 2001 Rivera is the red-head from Puglia that would not settle for anything less than red meat. The wood oven roasted lamb leg on a bed of saffron risotto Pancetta baked radicchio was juicy, succulent and every bit well mapped with the full bodied red wine with mellowed tannins.
While opinions were equally divided on the popularity of the reds, the Puer had a bit of an edge because the Fontalloro had not been decanted due to an oversight and did not show its best. Those who had some patience of keeping it in the glass for a while enjoyed the opened up wine a lot more. The ripe and juicy tannins made it more enjoyable and amenable to drink with lighter textured dishes as well.
Chef Waldimiro Gadioli of La Piazza and his team of cooks did a commendable job. The wines from Alto Adige, Friuli, Tuscany and Puglia with Italian cuisine were generally very well-matched. The waiting staff was professional and meticulous as ever-but with Hyatt it is a matter of routine for such wine dinners. For Puneet Baijal who has supervised several such dinners earlier, it was perhaps his first successful and memorable one, after being promoted as the Director of the F&B department recently.
 H.E. Roberto Toscano who kept up his word and came for the evening despite his wife being indisposed, was pleased enough to want to joint the club as a member. The Portuguese Ambassador was magnanimous enough to admit that he tells his European and Latin friendly colleagues to work with the Delhi Wine Club for a beneficial collaboration and see how they enjoy the evenings around wines from different countries.
And for the 40+ members who attended the dinner, it was yet another occasion to say, 'Encore! Encore!' Soon, perhaps. But with a different cuisine and a different set of wines- the favourite mantra of the Delhi Wine club.
Subhash Arora
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