The Englishwoman at the launch of the Enoteca de Scuretto

Sara and Elisa, the admirable owners of the Osteria de Scuretto, had decided to complement their Osteria with a wine-shop, or enoteca, selling local good quality wines and other specialities – limoncino (like limoncello), pasta, olive oil and more. They therefore issued a general invitation to the opening.

We arrived promptly, but the event took a bit of time to get going. The rows of glasses were a good sign, though!

Everything ready for the opening – but where are the people?

Gradually people began to drift along – family, friends, customers and neighbours. We noticed the lady from the post office/tobacconist opposite the Caffè del Corso, the laundress and the local dressmaker, Giulietta, our caretaker’s daughter. She works all hours and every year makes at least some of the mediaeval costumes for the annual Pozzo della Polenta rievocazione or pageant.

Also there, and indispensable, was the Mayor, who made the speech and cut the ribbon. In his speech he referred to his vision of turismo di qualità, of which the Osteria and Enoteca are examples, as this tourist can testify. I believe in quality tourism too, but I’m particularly keen on the nitty-gritty and down-to-earth which underpins it, such as loo-roll and opening hours.

It took some time to get the tricolore ribbon organised. On the right in the dark polo shirt is Giacomo Anibaldi Ranco, a member of the consiglio comunale or local council.

Briefing the Mayor.

That’s Sara, one of the owners, between the Mayor and Giacomo.

Testing the ribbon.

Sara hands the scissors to the mayor.

You’ll just have to trust me here.

The big moment! – seen from behind.

 

Mayor with the ribbon after cutting it.

The ribbon was then cut into small pieces and distributed. I made sure I got a bit.

Piece of ribbon from the opening of the Enoteca

Sara and Elisa generously served everyone with delicious Bianchello del Metauro, a Marchigiano wine from the River Metauro to the north of Corinaldo in the province of Pesaro-Urbino.

We were now free to look around the shop, admire the high-quality fittings, the work of a local craftsman, and study the wares.

Wines at Enoteca de Scuretto.

We bought a bottle of limoncino, which is usually served very cold at the end of the meal. We put the bottle in the freezer compartment for a short time – trying not to forget it! – and chill the glasses too. Every drink brings back happy memories of the Enoteca de Scuretto, which I’ve enjoyed sharing with you, although without a drink!