Cà Select is a true celebration of Venetian splendour, serving as a multifunctional venue and promotional space for the renowned Bitter created by Studio Marcante-Testa. Located in a former metalworking lab in the Cannaregio district, known for its Jewish ghetto and trendy spots, Cà Select balances past and present, reinterpreting the baroque, detail-rich lagoon interiors through a contemporary lens.
The space is defined by the craftsmanship and red hue of the iconic aperitif served and explored here, complemented by lighting from the historic lagoon brand Fortuny.
From Bitter Select Production to Tasting
Select was founded in Venice in 1920. This vermilion bitter, a key ingredient in the ‘true’ Venetian spritz, is now part of Montenegro Group, but its unique history and herb-based production, including rhubarb and juniper, remain true to its origins. Cà Select is the home of this aperitif, a place to taste and discover its secrets.
The 700-square-meter space spans two levels and includes various areas, each with a specific purpose. There is an authentic bar for a drink paired with cicchetti, an event area with lounges and seating for up to 150 people, which can be easily re-configured, a production area with maceration vats, and an exhibit section curated by Studio Fludd that reveals some secrets of Select.
Marcante-Testa emphasizes: «The overall experience in the space, marked by large curtains, is imagined as a theatrical sequence where the audience becomes the protagonist, much like in the famous ‘Bal Oriental’ (a 1951 masquerade ball still considered the city’s most important event), with life-size moving images enveloping the visitor.»
Marcante-Testa and Venetian Craftsmanship
Marcante-Testa’s stylistic reinterpretation of Venetian interiors incorporates traditional materials and details, notably the terrazzo flooring and mosaic entrance based on a design by Mariano Fortuny and produced by the historic Fornace Orsoni.
The bar counter deserves special mention, a unique piece in fused glass using a traditional Murano technique reminiscent of the colour of the sea waves.
The Lighting of Cà Select Defines the Character of the Spaces
Fortuny products light up Cà Select with high-quality pendants, applique, and floor lamps, reflecting their strong connection to Venice. The red metal structure around the bar area features ‘Scheherazade’ chandeliers, with a slightly oriental vibe, defining the space’s rhythm. In the event area, ‘Studio’ floor lamps with their distinctive tripods provide accent lighting, complemented by silk-shaded pendants including ‘Peonia,’ ‘Loto,’ ‘Imperiale,’ and ‘Favorita.’