German
Hans Oliver Spanier and his wife Carolin Spanier-Gillot are among the most important winemakers in Rheinhessen. With their two wineries, Battenfeld-Spanier and Kühling-Gillot, they are responsible for two of the most exciting wine collections in their region. The styles of the two lines differ significantly due to their respective soil conditions. While the vineyards at Kühling-Gillot are characterized by red slate, the wines at the Battenfeld-Spanier estate grow exclusively on limestone soils and captivate with a very slender, straightforward structure marked by elegance, harmony, and sophistication. This is particularly impressive, given that the wines are aged in the same manner in the same cellar. The differences in flavor are therefore due solely to the different terroirs. The winery has been cultivating its vineyards according to organic guidelines since 1996 and switched to biodynamic viticulture in 2007 to keep the vineyards even more balanced and vibrant in the long term.
Oelmühlstr. 2533
55294 Bodenheim, Germany
Phone +49 6243 906515
Winery size 28 ha
Member of VDP
The focus at the Battenfeld-Spanier winery is, of course, on Rieslings. Even the entry-level wine, the Riesling Eisquell, reflects its origins with cool minerality, clarity, and freshness. The village wines, meanwhile, already display impressive depth and minerality and offer exceptional value for the money. H.O. began early on to release some of his wines onto the market after only a brief period of aging. These wines from the so-called Treasure Collection age in a specially constructed underground natural cellar and exhibit impressive complexity right from the start of sales. At the top of the range are the “Große Gewächse” from the Frauenberg, Kirchenstück, and Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott vineyards, which are surpassed only by the incredibly dense auction wine CO Liquid Earth. In addition, HO also produces a charming Pinot Blanc and an intense Pinot Noir from the “Große Gewächse” vineyard Kirchenstück
Frequently Asked Questions About Battenfeld-Spanier
What is the difference between Battenfeld-Spanier and Kühling-Gillot?
The difference between the wines lies in the terroir: Kühling-Gillot is known for red slate, while Battenfeld-Spanier works exclusively on limestone soils. The wines differ clearly in style, even though they are vinified more or less identically in the same cellar.
Which grape varieties does Battenfeld-Spanier focus on?
The focus is on Riesling. The lineup is complemented by small quantities of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.
What characterizes the style of Battenfeld-Spanier’s wines?
The wines are lean, straightforward, and precise, characterized by limestone minerality, cool freshness, elegance, and great aging potential.
Which vineyards and wines are considered the estate’s top offerings?
The top vineyards include Frauenberg, Kirchenstück, and Zellerweg am Schwarzen Herrgott. The Großes Gewächs wines produced from these vineyards are surpassed only by the legendary auction wine CO Liquid Earth.