The bàcaro, a typical Venetian tavern, derives its name from a specific Puglian wine imported in the late 19th century, sold in what were known as “malvasie.” Venetians might not be aware of the origin of this name, associated with the small, bustling spots frequented by locals and tourists alike. To uncover the reason, read on.
In the past, Venice had specialized shops for various types of wine, such as the “malvasie” selling imports and the “magazen” exchanging poor-quality wine as collateral. There were also the “furatole,” serving as wine spots for the less affluent.
Legend has it that the term bàcaro was coined inside one of these wine shops, particularly a “malvasia,” by a gondolier who, while enjoying a glass of Puglian wine, exclaimed: “Bon! Bon! Questo xe proprio un vin de bàcaro!” referencing the Venetian dialect’s “far bàcara,” meaning “to celebrate joyfully in the name of Bacchus, the god of wine.”
Thus, the name “vin de bàcaro” extended to the establishments where it was sold, and those once typical Venetian taverns selling “foreign” wine began being called bàcari.
Below you can find an audio of a Venetian telling us a curiosity about bacari. Did you know it?
Translation:
“A couple of old Venetian gentlemen:
My wife is a teetotaler but I can tell you one thing: among the various goods that circulated in Venice, wine was one of the most important! Do you know why they say “un’ OMBRA” of wine (ombra can be translated as shadow)? Because they used to sell wine in the shade of the campanile! They had the banquet placed in the shade to keep and store the good wine!”