On the edge between truth and fable, May 1727 marks the end of the Maritime Republic of Venice — and the beginning of the Aristocratic story of the fabulous City of Love. From the water, you look up at the palaces with real admiration; on foot, you wander the small and the huge streets, always full of people celebrating, where dark alleys suddenly open onto light. The contrast between simple and sophisticated is what makes this city alive.
Carnival of Venice
Masks and magic, walking with Luciana Cilemmi Giachi
The meeting between Venice's beautiful masks and this magical city is the scene of the Carnival of Venice, a world event staged in Italy every year, tying together history, fashion and magic with fairy-tale curiosity.
Each year, from January 31 to February 17, 2015, a surreal story comes to life through the work of famous fashion tailors, who dress it in beautiful and sophisticated costumes to make this magical moment of Carnival in Venice feel real.
For Valentine’s Day
A Big Masked Ball
In a magnificent, ancient palace suite overlooking the Grand Canal, the dances open for Italy's most famous masquerade ball: live music, entertainment, Venetian and fantasy characters in costume, all followed by a gala dinner. Why not join in?
In this world of fantasy, colour is essential: alongside the glitz of fine clothes, you'll catch the reflections of red, gold and blue in Murano glass goblets, on display in the shops and workshops where they're made.
At home
Prepare a cocktail
To prepare a cocktail, choose containers that are eccentric and colourful, like precious Murano glass.
Pair them with decorated plates of fresh vegetables with vinaigrette, breadsticks, salad boats with cream, and delicious, inviting appetisers — all to surprise and dazzle your guests.
Every dish should be a work of art, and to do it justice you need a good range of wines to pour and to offer.
In the cellar
The Ideal Wine Cellar
If you love good wine, you probably reach for red most often. A small cellar shouldn't be without four or six bottles of Tuscan wine such as Chianti Classico Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
Worth keeping on hand
A few bottles of Amarone di Valpolicella and Barolo, plus a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, two of Syrah and two of Merlot. Finally, thirty bottles of great red wines from these vintages
1993 – 1995 – 1997 -1998
For whites, look to Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Soave Classico and Pinot Grigio — the choice depends on taste and availability. Add five or six bottles of classic-method Italian sparkling wine and two or three of Champagne.
In the glass
How to uncork a bottle of wine
If you're serving a still wine, place the bottle on the table so guests can see the label. Cut the capsule at the bottom of the ring, using the blade on the corkscrew.
Insert the corkscrew
Hold the bottle firmly with one hand, insert the tip of the corkscrew at the centre of the cork, and turn it slowly all the way down, taking care not to pierce through the other end of the cork.
Lift the cork
Fold down the lever of the corkscrew so it rests on the edge of the bottle's neck. Hold it steady with one hand while the other pulls the cork out with a light, controlled effort on the lever.
Check the cork
Pass a napkin inside the mouth of the neck to remove any pieces of cork, then sniff the cork to catch any abnormal notes, such as cork taint or mould.
Aged, delicate red wines carry sediment: before drinking them, it's best to keep the bottle upright for a few days, and to always move it vertically on the table. Once uncorked, lay the bottle in a basket so the sediment settles at the bottom.
Have fun!
FAQ
When does the Carnival of Venice take place in 2015?
In 2015 the Carnival of Venice runs from January 31 to February 17.
How do you properly uncork a still bottle of wine?
Place the bottle on the table, cut the capsule with the corkscrew's blade, insert the tip of the corkscrew into the center of the cork, and pull it out with a light, controlled lever motion.
Which Tuscan red wines should a small wine cellar include?
A small cellar shouldn't be without four or six bottles of Tuscan wine such as Chianti Classico Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
What should you use to prepare an eccentric cocktail?
Choose containers that are eccentric and colourful, like precious Murano glass, paired with fresh vegetables, breadsticks and salad boats with cream.
Which white wines are suggested for the cellar?
For whites, the choice falls on Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Soave Classico and Pinot Grigio, depending on taste and availability.
