June 2009

Milu’ is a very cute and friendly wine dog we met in April at Azienda Agricola Costadoro in Bardolino, Italy, just a two minute drive up the hill from Lake Garda in the Veneto’s Bardolino Classico DOC zone. Valentino Lonardi is a third generation winemaker at this majestic location—his father, Giovanni, still works there. Valentino’s wife, Irene, is also very involved with the winery and hospitality business—in addition to the winery, they have an enticing “bed and breakfast” operation at the estate overlooking Lake Garda. As soon as you meet Milu’, you feel that she has been a part of the winery forever. She was presented to the Lonardi family in September 1996, at the age of six months, by some of the winery’s wine–tasting visitors. Milu’ immediately became the mascot of the Costadoro wine cellar and she welcomes all guests who visit the estate.

In the dialect of the Bordolino area, Milu’ means “Me and You” and this is a perfect name for her because Milu’ is also a lovely and sweet companion for the Lonardi children. Milu’ plays, studies and watches television with the children. She prefers Walt Disney cartoons and the soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. When it comes to gastronomic matters, Milu’ prefers salame bread and olive oil (Lonardi’s Costadoro Extra Virgin DOP, of course), meat, cheese and potatoes. Her favorite wine? You’ll have to guess from the pictures below.

Many thanks to the Lonardi family for sending us some photos of Milu’.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Milu’ maintains the press equipment.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Milu’ checks on the inventory.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Milu’ relaxes with some Costadoro Spumante Rosé Classico.
 
 
 
 
 

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Filed Under: Wine Dog of the Month