We’re thrilled to kick off Season 2 of Grape Masters with a story of partnership, passion, and innovation. In this inaugural episode, we delve into the intertwined histories of two of Germany’s most iconic wineries: Weingut Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier, located in Rheinhessen.
Our guest, Carolin Spanier, shares insights into the legacy of her family’s Kühling-Gillot estate, renowned for its red slate soils and distinct mineral-driven wines. She also reveals how her husband, Hans Oliver (H.O.) Spanier, transformed Battenfeld-Spanier into a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking on the limestone terroir of the Zellertal Valley.
Together, Carolin and H.O. exemplify the perfect balance of tradition and modernity, sustainability, and innovation. From their challenges in adapting to climate change to their collaboration in elevating Rheinhessen’s global reputation, their journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Carolin also discusses their global impact, exporting to 38 countries, and their collaboration with La Place de Bordeaux, which has brought German Riesling into the spotlight as a world-class wine.
Grape Masters, by Dutch Wine Apprentice, brings you exclusive interviews with leading wineries and iconic winemakers. Through 1:1 interviews we learn what is the key behind their success, share behind the scene insights and personal stories. Join us and learn from the best of the best, while enjoying a glass of wine!
You can read more about Grape Masters here.
Season 2, Episode 1 of Grape Masters is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Amazon Music, YouTube Music and through RSS feed. Don’t forget to subscribe and like our podcast to stay updated on upcoming episodes.
Learn more about Kühling-Gillot Battenfeld-Spanier on our website, and discover the incredible wines that define Rheinhessen!
We would like to thank our guest, Carolin Spanier, for sharing her remarkable story. Kühling Battenfeld is imported by, and available through, De Bruijn in Wijnen and Bâtard Vintrepreneurs.
Taaibosch Wines has re-emerged as one of South Africa’s most compelling Helderberg estates, built around a Cabernet Franc–led vision shaped by maritime influence and distinctive soils. Under the guidance of Schalk Willem Joubert, the flagship Crescendo expresses restraint, texture and terroir-driven precision rather than power.
Weingut Dr. Crusius is one of the historic cornerstones of the Nahe, combining centuries of family heritage with a precise, terroir-driven approach under the leadership of Rebecca Crusius. From iconic vineyards such as Kupfergrube, Bastei and Felsenberg, the estate produces outstanding GG Rieslings that rank among the finest expressions of modern German wine.
Discover Clau de Nell, the biodynamic soul of Anjou near Saumur, where the late Anne-Claude Leflaive’s visionary philosophy still shapes some of the Loire Valley’s most compelling Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc wines. From ancient vines and complex limestone soils to meticulously crafted cuvées like Anjou Blanc and Blanc de Noir, Clau de Nell stands as a benchmark for biodynamic winemaking in western Loire.
Restaurant Het Koetshuis, nestled in the forests near Bennekom, is a quietly iconic Dutch fine dining destination where classical French cuisine, thoughtful wine pairings, and family heritage come together. In this Chefs & Cellars feature, we explore Danny Löhr’s philosophy on hospitality, Burgundy-driven wine culture, and a refined tasting menu that reflects nearly four decades of culinary craftsmanship in the Netherlands.
In Chefs & Cellars S02E02 we visit Restaurant Het Koetshuis in Bennekom, where Danny Lohr shares how this culinary institute blends classical French cuisine with one of the most exciting Burgundy-focused wine cellars in the Netherlands. Discover the philosophy, heritage and wine culture that make Restaurant Het Koetshuis a must-visit destination in the Veluwe.
Las Pizarras showcases the purest expression of high-altitude Garnacha from Calatayud, where old bush vines grow on slate and limestone soils to deliver elegant, mineral and fresh Spanish red wines. Discover how this ambitious project is redefining Calatayud with terroir-driven Garnacha that rivals the finesse of Priorat while remaining unmistakably Aragón.
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