Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier – Limestone Purity in Rheinhessen

Weingut Battenfeld-Spanier, located in Hohen-Sülzen in southern Rheinhessen, stands among Germany’s most acclaimed producers of crystalline, terroir-driven wines. Since 1991, Hans Oliver Spanier has shaped the estate’s reputation as a benchmark for Riesling grown on limestone — wines defined by their precision, salinity, and luminous energy.

A proud member of the Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter (VDP) since 1998, Battenfeld-Spanier works closely with Weingut Kühling-Gillot, the estate of Carolin Spanier-Gillot, crafting wines that express complementary terroirs with shared philosophy and precision.

Terroir – Limestone as the Core Identity

The vineyards rest on ancient layers of limestone, marl, and chalk, lending the wines their hallmark tension and saline clarity. Located in Wonnegau, Rheinhessen’s warm southern plateau, the area enjoys extended ripening seasons tempered by cool nights — building both ripeness and freshness.

Certified biodynamic since 2005, the estate practices meticulous, fully manual viticulture, prioritizing soil vitality, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

Signature Wines

• Riesling Gutswein — Precise and lively, with chalky minerality and citrus vibrancy.
• Riesling “Hohen-Sülzen” — Elegant, pure, and saline, expressing linear energy.
• Riesling Grosses Gewächs (Kirchspiel, Frauenberg) — Iconic dry Rieslings of great depth, complexity, and ageing potential.
• Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) — Graceful and mineral with a soft, textural mouthfeel.
• Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) — Delicate, spicy, and finely structured with silky tannins.
• Blanc de Blancs Sekt Prestige — Refined traditional-method sparkling Chardonnay, elegant and fresh.

Winemaking Philosophy

Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, followed by ageing in large, neutral oak casks. Sulphur is used sparingly, allowing each wine to convey the precision, salinity, and purity of its limestone origins.

For Hans Oliver Spanier, winemaking is “the art of letting stone become liquid.” This minimalist, terroir-focused approach has become a defining hallmark of Battenfeld-Spanier.

Awards & Recognition

• VDP member since 1998
• Certified biodynamic viticulture since 2005
• Critical acclaim from Jancis Robinson, Falstaff, Wine Spectator, and James Suckling
• Regarded as one of Germany’s leading producers of Grosses Gewächs Riesling

At a Glance

• Winemaker: Hans Oliver Spanier
• Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
• Vineyard area: ~30 ha
• Farming: Certified biodynamic
• Grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
• Style: dry, mineral, pure, structured

Legacy & Style

Battenfeld-Spanier embodies the elegance of limestone-grown Riesling — wines of clarity, energy, and precision that reflect the soul of southern Rheinhessen. Through biodynamic farming and thoughtful craftsmanship, Hans Oliver Spanier has elevated the estate to the top tier of German fine wine.