August 2008

What a great dog we’ve chosen for our very first Wine Dog! Susanna is a St. Bernard from Nottola in Montepulciano, Italy. She probably weighs 120-140 pounds—a big momma! She is good-natured, kind, gentle and easy-going—all typical traits of the breed. Her owners take great care of her and even spoil her with her very own dog-sized bench to lounge around on the winery’s porch. Most people are probably already familiar with this breed’s original job in life of being rescue dogs in the High Swiss Alps. Who hasn’t seen them depicted with small barrels of brandy around their necks (you know…to provide the rescued with warmth to combat the cold)? After getting to know Susanna a bit, we’re sure she would prefer some of Nottola’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva and a vigorous belly rub, for which she’ll glady roll onto her back to accommodate!

Susanna’s owner, Luisa, sent us these additional pictures (below), for which we are very grateful. We provided the captions.

 
 
 
 
 
Here is Susanna on her bench, otherwise known as her throne. From here, she surveys her kingdom.

 
 
 
 
 
Susanna gives Alfredo an audience. Alfredo, you dog, you don’t know how good you have it!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Susanna was a very cute puppy. She has matured into a lovely young lady.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

To learn more about Nottola, read Go Invisible with Vino Nobile.