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Ansitz Dolomytos Sacker
Alto Adige, Italy1 wine4.4 avg
Alto Adige estate at Auna di Sotto sul Renon, above Bolzano. The late-life project of Rainer Zierock - agronomist, philosopher, and consultant - who pursued a minimally invasive approach decades before it was fashionable. Now run by Norbert Marginter in Zierock's spirit. Famous for the singular 'Dolomytos' field-blend white: international + Greek varieties, no SO2, 2+ years on lees in 150L 'cigarillos' in a 70m-deep gallery.
Ansitz Dolomytos Sacker is an estate at Auna di Sotto sul Renon, above Bolzano in Alto Adige, that has built a quiet reputation around a single, mythical wine - the 'Dolomytos' white field blend.
The estate was the late-life project of Rainer Zierock - a university professor, agronomist, philosopher, and consultant who worked across most of Europe's important wine regions. Zierock dedicated himself to creating what he considered the perfect wine, and at Auna di Sotto sul Renon he found his site. He took a minimally invasive approach in both vineyard and cellar, positioning himself at the forefront of 1990s viticulture - though the great potential of his wines was recognised only many years later.
Zierock died in 2009. The estate was purchased by Norbert Marginter, who continues to manage it in Zierock's spirit. Vineyard work focuses on naturalness and respect for the plant. Grapes are gently pressed and fermented spontaneously; the wine then ripens on the lees, without the addition of sulphur, for at least 2 years in 'cigarillos' (150L barrels) stored in a 70-metre-deep gallery at constant temperature and humidity. Bottling is unfiltered.
The signature 'Dolomytos' is a unique cuvée: an assemblage of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc with Assyrtiko and other international and Greek varieties. After 2 years on lees in oak, the unfiltered wine rests for another 1-2 years in bottle before release.
