Grape Masters S02E01 – Kühling-Gillot & Battenfeld-Spanier, Germany

Grape Masters S02E01 – Kühling-Gillot & Battenfeld-Spanier, Germany.

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. 

Highlights from the Episode

  • The fusion of histories: Kühling-Gillot’s 200-year legacy meets Battenfeld-Spanier’s bold innovations.  
  • Terroir at its finest: Red slate and limestone in perfect harmony.  
  • Sustainability and resilience: Overcoming floods, hailstorms, and even a cellar fire to produce world-class wines.  
  • A tasting journey: The 2023 Frauenberg Riesling, a testament to Battenfeld-Spanier’s limestone terroir, awarded 95 points by DWA.  

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, Iconic Wineries of the World

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.

Tune in Now!

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.

Kühling-Gillot & Battenfeld-Spanier