Buon' Anno! We hope your new year is off to a great beginning. We had a splendid trip to Florence with a great group of travelers. San Marco, the Gozzoli chapel, the Academia, San Lorenzo, the Uffizi, the Pitti, the Bargello, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella, the Brancacci Chapel...and so much more. Just being in the middle of Florence at such a warm, peaceful, glowing time of year, lifted along with grace and serenity of families and friends making their way through the city always nodding an "Auguri" or "Buon' anno" as they passed, within days everyone felt at home.
We saw the New Year in in the shadow of the Palazzo Vecchio with the Florentine Orchestra playing through the evening in the Uffizi loggia. Beside us was the adorable ragazzo, pictured below, on his babbo's shoulders, happy to welcome 2011.
Our spring trips are filling quickly - we would love to see you on one of them. For an Italian experience on this side of the Atlantic, join us Saturday, January 29, 1-4 pm at Cecile's in McLean for a wine tasting (complimentary, of course). Do come by to sample some exceptional Italian vintages or just to say "Ciao."
A presto, speriamo,
Deborah and Frank
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New Year's Eve 2011 Piazza Signoria
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Festa della Befana
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Florence Mayor Matteo Renzi and Deborah Warin
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Cathedral
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Procession of the Magi, Florence
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Short film, Procession of the Magi
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Featured Wine of the Month Brancaia Il Blu 2006
Brancaia's flagship wine, Il Blu, is a blend of just about equal parts Sangiovese and Merlot plus 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps because Il Blu comes entirely from fruit grown in Brancaia's Chianti Classico vineyards, this is one of the most consistent and truly "Italian" of the more famous super-tuscan blends. Always a big scoring wine in the US wine press, Il Blu has also earned the highest, Tre Bicchieri, award in Italy's Gambero Rosso guild every year since 2003.
"The 2006 Il Blu (50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a striking wine loaded with vibrant dark cherries, violets, sweet spices and French oak in a power ful, structured style. Naturally the Blu doesn't show the warmth of the Ilatraia but it does possess a touch more freshness and finesse, attributes which will allow the wine to age gracefully over the coming years. Once again, Brancaia has produced a gem in the Blu. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026."Wine Advocate 95 points.
Join us Saturday, January 29, 2-4, Wine Tasting, Cecile's Wine Cellar cecileswine.com
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The Hilltowns of Tuscany, Umbria and the Marche
 Known for it's breathtaking landscape, this region has captivated travelers for centuries. But there is so much to discover here. This, our most popular tour, offers the unique opportunity of traveling through this beautiful land while visiting places few tourists know. We have traveled throughout this region for well over a decade and are able to offer a chance to experience the people, places, history and art in way no other tour can. See these regions like an insider. Follow the Piero della Francesca trail, see the magnificent Della Robbias of La Verna, savor the food and wine of Tuscany at an exclusive wine tasting dinner at a castello, visit the " the most beautiful palace" of the Renaissance, see the art and the places that have drawn writers, painters and poets for centuries. Read More |
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Venice, the Veneto, Ravenna and more...
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Verona, Mantua, Ferrara, Vicenza, Padua, Bologna, the riches of the Po Valley.The ancient mosaics of Ravenna, Palladio, the d'Este, the Marriage Suite by Montegna of the Gonzaga castle, the Arena of Verona. Our Italian amici have helped us gain access to a particularly rich cultural and intellectual exploration of this fascinating region. Read More |
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Last Month's Featured Wine Winner
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Melinda Williams winner of Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove 2007
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We hope to see you next week!
Deborah Ross Warin & Frank Ambrosio
info@renaissancecompany.com
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Wine Tasting
Saturday, Jan 29
1 - 4 pm
directions
McLean, VA
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