On the border between fable and truth, May 1727 marks the end of the Aristocratic Maritime Republic of Venice — and the beginning of the legend of the city of love.
Walking through Venice
A city of contrasts
On the boat, people watch the magnificent palaces on the water with admiration, dreaming in front of a city that seems to float. I step onto the ground and walk without a destination: around one corner, then another, through streets large and small, always full of people in celebration. Contrast is the essence of life here, from the simple to the sophisticated, from small squares to huge ones, from dark streets that suddenly open up to the light.
Walking with Luciana Cilemmi Giachi
Masks and magic
The meeting between Venice's beautiful masks and this magical city is the scene of the Carnival of Venice, a world event that returns to the Italian stage every year, wrapping the bond between history, fashion and magic in fairytale curiosity. Each year, from January 31 to February 17, 2015, a surreal story takes shape through famous fashion designers, with beautiful and sophisticated fancy-dress outfits that make this magical moment of Carnival in Venice feel even more real.
For Valentine's Day
The big masked ball
In a magnificent, ancient private palace overlooking the Grand Canal, the dancing opens for the most famous masquerade ball in Italy: live music, entertainment, Venetian and fantasy characters in costume, and a gala dinner. Why not join in?
In the world of fantasy, color is essential: alongside the glitz of fine clothes, there are the red, gold and blue reflections of Murano glass goblets, on display in shops or right inside the workshops where they are made.
Behind the bar
Prepare a cocktail
To prepare a cocktail, get containers that are eccentric and colorful, like precious Murano glass. Pair them with decorated plates of fresh vegetables with vinaigrette, bread sticks, salad boats with cream, and delicious, inviting appetizers — all for a surprise effect that dazzles guests.
Every dish has to be a work of art, and to reach that level it's essential to have a nice range of wines to pour and to offer.
The right bottle
The ideal cellar
If we love good wine, we probably tend to drink red wine. Our small cellar should never be without four or six bottles of Tuscan wine such as Chianti Classico Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, along with a few bottles of Amarone di Valpolicella and Barolo. Then it takes a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Two bottles of Syrah.
Two bottles of Merlot.
Finally, thirty bottles of great red wines from the vintages 1993 – 1995 – 1997 -1998. As for white wines, the choice falls on Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Soave Classico and Pinot Grigio — it depends a lot on taste and on what's available. Five or six bottles of sparkling Italian classic-method wine, and two or three bottles of Champagne, complete the cellar.
Getting it right
How to uncork a bottle of wine
The bottle on the table
If we're serving a still wine, put the bottle on the table so guests can see the label. Cut the capsule at the bottom of the ring, using the corkscrew's small blade.
The corkscrew and the cork
Holding the bottle firmly with one hand, insert the tip of the corkscrew into the center of the cork and turn it slowly all the way down, being careful not to pierce the other end. Then fold the lever of the corkscrew so it rests on the edge of the bottle's neck, and while one hand holds it steady against the edge, the other pulls out the cork with a light lever motion.
The final check
The last step is passing a napkin inside the mouth of the neck to remove any bits of cork. Finally, smell the cork to recognize any abnormal characteristics, such as the smell of cork taint or mold.
Aged, delicate red wines contain sediment, so before drinking them it's best to keep them upright for a few days, and to always carry the precious bottle to the table upright too. Once uncorked, the bottle rests on a wine basket so the sediment stays 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.
Which Tuscan red wines should never be missing from a small cellar?
The small cellar should never be without four or six bottles of Tuscan wine such as Chianti Classico Riserva, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
How do you properly uncork a still bottle of wine?
Put the bottle on the table, cut the capsule with the corkscrew's small blade, insert the tip of the corkscrew into the center of the cork and pull it out with a light lever motion.
What should you use to prepare an elegant cocktail?
Use containers that are eccentric and colorful, like precious Murano glass, paired with fresh vegetables, bread sticks and salad boats with cream.
Which white wines are recommended for the cellar?
For white wines, the choice falls on Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Soave Classico and Pinot Grigio.
