Bachmann

Bachmann

San Giorgio, Bolzano

Robert Oberkofler

Steep – steeper – Bachmann Hof.

Via Rafenstein is one of the steepest roads in Bolzano: With a gradient of up to 35 percent, the narrow road winds its way up to the mighty ruins of Rafenstein Castle, which towers above the entrance to the Sarentine Valley. Those who feel equal to the strenuous climb soon pass the Bachmann Hof, an ancient farm which has been run by the Oberkofler family since 1853 but can be traced back in written documents to the 15th century. This is where Robert Oberkofler grew up, where everything was sloping, steep and crooked. These slopes, which are extremely steep in places (up to 60 percent), are home to a very special wine, one that requires very special care.

A unique microclimate.

A unique microclimate.

Robert Oberkofler is one of those young winegrowers who did not want to do everything differently but certainly wanted to do many things better. Whereas the quantity of grapes used to be the main objective, the quality of the grapes is now his top priority. The handover from father to son on the Bachmann Hof went smoothly enough, says Robert Oberkofler, “although I had a lot of talks with my father at first.” The decision to plant Pinot Noir vines in particular has paid off; they love the hillside location with its intense exposure to the sun and unique microclimate. And the frequent winds, which often lift the moisture off the leaves in the early morning already, keep the Bachmann Hof vines robust and healthy.

“We are dependent on the whims of nature”.

When Robert has less to do in the vineyard, he is often to be seen at the Bolzano Winery. His all-round talent is much appreciated there, be it for guided tours, in the area of marketing or simply as the “heart and soul” of the business. Together with winemaker Stephan Filippi, he likes to keep a watchful eye on his new vintage of Pinot Noir. “As vintners we are always dependent on the whims of nature,” says Robert Oberkofler, “but that is what makes every vintage so very special.”

“We are dependent on the whims of nature”.
Bachmann Bachmann