Archive for the ‘Toscana’ Category

Life is too short to drink mediocre wines.                           J. W. Goethe

The wine is a mixture of love and light.                                G. Galilei

The harvest

The year 2011 was defined by the winemakers Year of Providence: low production and high quality. The harvest was anticipated throughout Italy for the climatic conditions that have characterized this long summer.
The phenological phases of grape-vine have been changed by high temperatures in April and May, leading to this early harvest.
The quality will be great for white wines: it is expected to decline by 5% and then a production of 44 million hectoliters, while for the red wines we will only know shortly.
The decline in the Centre-North is from 0 to -5%, while in the Center-South vary from -5% to -20%.
The most productive region is Veneto, with more than 8 million hectoliters.
The vineyard once again demonstrates its ability to adapt to climatic vagaries, unlike other agricultural crops that have been compromised.
We predict high-profile wines and this will help the positive trend in foreign sales (+11.9% in 2010), in fact in Italy it is produced the 17% of world production.

 The first Sunday in November in Italy we will celebrate the birth of the new wine,”Vino novello”, a red wine produced in all regions of Italy, but mainly in the Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige and Tuscany. The “Vino novello”, very fresh and aromatic, is the first wine of the harvest just passed, which is celebrated throughout Italy, especially combined with chestnuts.

Firenze

From 24th August 2011, after Rome, Florence, Otranto and other Italian turist destinations, Venice as well has introduced a tax for tourists.

The tourist tax to be paid varies depending on the following elements: the city where you stay, the type and site of the accommodation, the number of stars, the type and quality of the facilities provived by the accommodation chosen.

For example: in Venice tourists will be asked to pay just a few cents if they stay in a camping in the mainland, or up to 5 euros if they opt for a room in a 5-star hotel.

Venezia

But if you stay in Venice for more than 5 days, your stay is free of charge from the sixth night.

The task of collecting the tribute has been given to the accommodations’ host: the tourist tax, in fact, has to be paid in place.

The rules concerning the maximum number of nights to be paid and the minimum and maximum amounts to be applied change from town to town.

However, the only thing that is the same in all the Italian cities with tourist tax is that children under the age of 10 are free of charge.

Two unforgettable events will warm up the heart and the voice of whoever will come in Florence during the second week of September 2011.

The Stadio ‘Artemio Franchi’ and Santa Croce Square will enliven your nights on September, 6^th and 10^th with two different but equally exciting shows.

On the 6^th of September Italy will play their Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Stadio Franchi, Firenze

This will be a crucial match for the Azzurri, since it may guarantee that Cesare Prandelli’s men will play the UEFA Euro 2012 in advance. An extra reason for supporting the Italian national Football Team in Florence.

George Michael

During the same week, Florence will host another unforgettable event, dedicated to pop music, soul, r’n’b e rock. On the 10^th of September George Michael, one of the most beloved musicians ever lived, will perform in Santa Croce Square with his new tour: Symphonica – The Orchestral Tour. Symphonica is George Michael’s first tour in Europe after having toured with “25 Love” three years ago. George Michael will perform not only his most popular songs, but also covers of his favourite artists.

Both the football match and George Michael’s concert will cause a storm of emotions! Take the opportunity to visit Florence and its artistic-cultural heritage from Sept, 6^th to Sept, 10^th.

We will be glad to accommodate you in our charming B&Bs in Florence. They are all in the city centre or in the surrounding area and they may also offer you fantastic Tuscan dishes!