Launch of Tinto Wine & Tapas Bar, Desa Sri Hartamas

[Event]

Lissa, Elaine and I headed over to Tinto wine and tapas bar in the bustling Desa Sri Hartamas recently for their official launch. Tinto is a bespoke Spanish Wine Bar, a contrast to the speakeasy bars mushrooming all over Kuala Lumpur, and bringing consumers the romance of old world wines. Tinto, which is the Spanish word for ‘Red Wine’ and the bar certainly has many variants of it, as well as white wines and champagnes in their cellar.

The bar is located on the first floor of a Desa Sri Hartamas shoplot, and to locate it you need to look out for a chalkboard with the word Tinto on it. Once inside, you’ll be welcomed by a warm, cosy and unpretentious ambience where you can savour their wines and have a meal over some good conversation without having to shout at your friends like in many of the bars around the area. The tables and even the bartop at Tinto are made of repurposed wine crates, adding to the whole “wine bar” ambience of the establishment.

tinto-wine-tapas-bar-desa-sri-hartamas-10 — The bar which is also made of repurposed wine crates

Tinto’s main attraction is the old world wines, all kept in their walk-in, temperature controlled cellar. To complement the wines and to complete the whole Spanish Wine experience, Tinto also provides a selection of Spanish inspired Tapas. Look out for the ridiculously addictive jamons (dry-cured Spanish ham) and cheeses, imported from Spain, and the Malaysian favourite, the Gambas Pil Pil (prawns sautéed in garlic, chilli and paprika), along with others signature dishes.

We got to sample some of the mains as well as canapes

Meatballs - Homemade pork meatballs with carrots - RM15 — Meatballs – Homemade pork meatballs with carrots – RM15

Delicious and tasty pork meatballs that were incredibly addictive! Don’t share this one!

Carne de Vaca - Grilled wagyu beef cubes with roasted vegetables - RM38 — Carne de Vaca – Grilled wagyu beef cubes with roasted vegetables – RM38

A super decadent “satay” or skewers that’s cooked perfectly medium rare. Tender, juicy and flavourful – just how I like my beef!

Paella de Tinto - Spanish rice dish cooked with saffron, bell peppers, chorizo and mixed seafood - RM68 — Paella de Tinto – Spanish rice dish cooked with saffron, bell peppers, chorizo and mixed seafood – RM68

The portion was enough for at least two (2) pax and probably even enough for three (3) ladies. I really enjoyed this one which was choke full of seafood and cured meat! One of the best that I’ve eaten in town.

Chorizo Platter - A selection of Spanish Chorizo — Chorizo Platter – A selection of Spanish Chorizo

If you like cured meats, this is a must order to go with your wine!

Jamon Platter - Bellota (36 months aged) @ RM 138 & Serrano (24 months aged) - RM88 — Jamon Platter – Bellota (36 months aged) @ RM 138 & Serrano (24 months aged) – RM88

It takes a super steady hand with years of practise to get the slices paper thin!

One of the two owners of Tinto, Ivy Lim, has been in the fine wine industry for over 5 years experience, having dealt with major wine merchants in Singapore and United Kingdom, she brings a wealth of wine knowledge and a passion to Tinto. Don’t know which wine to order? Just ask Ivy and tell her your preferences and she’ll recommend a good one for you that suits your budget.