Battenfeld-Spanier

Battenfeld-Spanier

The dynamic husband-wife team of H. O. Spanier and CarolinSpanier-Gillot is the driving force behind the Battenfeld Spanier Estate. The Magic is hidden deep beneath the soil of this outstanding winery located in Rheinhessen, namely layers of lime that add precise, vibrant minerality across the...

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Barth

2021 Hohen-Sülzen Riesling

The Erste Lage classification denotes world-class vineyards of especially notable characteristics: Hohen-Sülzen lies along the Eisbachtal. This river flows from the Donnersberg massif and exerts a significant climatic influence on the valley. The fluctuations between daytime and night-time temperature are more pronounced in Hohen-Sülzen than in other districts. This gives the wines their freshness, elegance, and tension despite the rich ripeness of the grapes.

The vines grow on pure limestone with a generous deposit of loess and are characterized by their ripe fruit, fine spice, and nuanced acidity. The wine is selectively hand-harvested, wild fermented, and raised in Stück and Doppelstück barrels. Shades of pale yellow, with green hues and a silver rim show in the glass. Yellow stone fruit and spice weave an aromatic web around the nose of this Hohen-Sülzen Riesling. Peach, dried apricot, and Mirabelle plum shine, followed by dried herbs, light tobacco, laurel, and the delicate spice of mace and white pepper. A linear palate blends ripe, juicy fruit with savory spice and deep, smoky minerality. This is an unforgettable wine with delicate fruit, saline finish, and indisputable origin. Given its precise, cool, and refreshing nature, it offers countless options for pairing with fish dishes, sushi, or crisp mixed vegetables from the wok.

Ratings

93 James Suckling points | 16.5 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • Dry
  • VDP.ERSTE LAGE
  • Hohen-Sülzen
  • South, Southwest
  • 500ft Elevation, 15% gradient
  • Limestone with Loess, Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2021 Frauenberg Riesling

The Frauenberg lies in the southern Wonnegau, north of Hohen-Sülzen heading towards Flörsheim at an elevation of up to 280 meters and up to 40% gradient. The historic site can be traced back through official documents to at least 1290, where it was called the “an frauwenhalten” and was the site of a nunnery. H.O. Spanier rescued the Frauenberg from oblivion and placed it back in the consciousness of wine lovers. While purely south facing, the exposed site on the Frauenberg experiences constant cooling winds, with a broken limestone top layer and a base substrate of solid limestone. The vines dig deep into the hard, mineral-rich soil. This lends them a self-sustaining character and allows for long, healthy vegetative periods, even in extreme years. Wines from the Frauenberg are meticulously hand-selected and harvested, wild fermented and matured in Stück and Doppelstück barrels.

Bright straw-yellow, it has shimmering hues and a silver rim. In its youth, Frauenberg is more of a sketch than a highly shaded and detailed self-portrait. Stony and austere, it is reminiscent of wet gravel while cooling notes of fresh chervil and cucumber peel complement the citrus fruit, apricot stone, and apple skin. Unmistakable dark aromatics and smoky overtones deliberately shape the precise outline. A pulsating pressure builds on the tense palate, even as the nearly orchestral acidity acts like a conductor, guiding extract, phenolics, and minerality to each play their part. Complex and nuanced, it is a wine whose potential requires not only a decanter but also a few years of bottle maturation. Frauenberg is a mineral-driven wine with a tremendous affinity for fine cuisine. Lobster, seafood, sashimi, and dishes that feature soy sauce make for great pairings, while finely-prepared German classics like KönigsbergerKlopse and Braten in horseradish sauce push it toward the sublime.

Ratings

96 James Suckling points | 17 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Frauenberg
  • South, Southwest
  • 1200ft Elevation, 10% gradient
  • Loess, Limestone, Stomy Clay Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7.2g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2020-Frauenberg Riesling

The Frauenberg lies in the southern Wonnegau, north of Hohen-Sülzen heading towards Flörsheim at an elevation of up to 280 meters and up to 40% gradient. The historic site can be traced back through official documents to at least 1290, where it was called the “an frauwenhalten” and was the site of a nunnery. H.O. Spanier rescued the Frauenberg from oblivion and placed it back in the consciousness of wine lovers. While purely south facing, the exposed site on the Frauenberg experiences constant cooling winds, with a broken limestone top layer and a base substrate of solid limestone. The vines dig deep into the hard, mineral-rich soil. This lends them a self-sustaining character and allows for long, healthy vegetative periods, even in extreme years. Wines from the Frauenberg are meticulously hand-selected and harvested, wild fermented and matured in Stück and Doppelstück barrels.

Bright straw-yellow, it has shimmering hues and a silver rim. In its youth, Frauenberg is more of a sketch than a highly shaded and detailed self-portrait. Stony and austere, it is reminiscent of wet gravel while cooling notes of fresh chervil and cucumber peel complement the citrus fruit, apricot stone, and apple skin. Unmistakable dark aromatics and smoky overtones deliberately shape the precise outline. A pulsating pressure builds on the tense palate, even as the nearly orchestral acidity acts like a conductor, guiding extract, phenolics, and minerality to each play their part. Complex and nuanced, it is a wine whose potential requires not only a decanter but also a few years of bottle maturation. Frauenberg is a mineral-driven wine with a tremendous affinity for fine cuisine. Lobster, seafood, sashimi, and dishes that feature soy sauce make for great pairings, while finely-prepared German classics like KönigsbergerKlopse and Braten in horseradish sauce push it toward the sublime.

Ratings

18 Jancis Robinson points | 95 Robert Parker points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Frauenberg
  • South, Southwest
  • 1200ft Elevation, 10% gradient
  • Loess, Limestone, Stomy Clay Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7.2g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2019 Frauenberg Riesling

The Frauenberg lies in the southern Wonnegau, north of Hohen-Sülzen heading towards Flörsheim at an elevation of up to 280 meters and up to 40% gradient. The historic site can be traced back through official documents to at least 1290, where it was called the “an frauwenhalten” and was the site of a nunnery. H.O. Spanier rescued the Frauenberg from oblivion and placed it back in the consciousness of wine lovers. While purely south facing, the exposed site on the Frauenberg experiences constant cooling winds, with a broken limestone top layer and a base substrate of solid limestone. The vines dig deep into the hard, mineral-rich soil. This lends them a self-sustaining character and allows for long, healthy vegetative periods, even in extreme years. Wines from the Frauenberg are meticulously hand-selected and harvested, wild fermented and matured in Stück and Doppelstück barrels.

Bright straw-yellow, it has shimmering hues and a silver rim. In its youth, Frauenberg is more of a sketch than a highly shaded and detailed self-portrait. Stony and austere, it is reminiscent of wet gravel while cooling notes of fresh chervil and cucumber peel complement the citrus fruit, apricot stone, and apple skin. Unmistakable dark aromatics and smoky overtones deliberately shape the precise outline. A pulsating pressure builds on the tense palate, even as the nearly orchestral acidity acts like a conductor, guiding extract, phenolics, and minerality to each play their part. Complex and nuanced, it is a wine whose potential requires not only a decanter but also a few years of bottle maturation. Frauenberg is a mineral-driven wine with a tremendous affinity for fine cuisine. Lobster, seafood, sashimi, and dishes that feature soy sauce make for great pairings, while finely-prepared German classics like KönigsbergerKlopse and Braten in horseradish sauce push it toward the sublime.

Ratings

96 James Suckling points | 17 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Frauenberg
  • South, Southwest
  • 1200ft Elevation, 10% gradient
  • Loess, Limestone, Stomy Clay Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7.2g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2018-Frauenberg Riesling

The Frauenberg lies in the southern Wonnegau, north of Hohen-Sülzen heading towards Flörsheim at an elevation of up to 280 meters and up to 40% gradient. The historic site can be traced back through official documents to at least 1290, where it was called the “an frauwenhalten” and was the site of a nunnery. H.O. Spanier rescued the Frauenberg from oblivion and placed it back in the consciousness of wine lovers. While purely south facing, the exposed site on the Frauenberg experiences constant cooling winds, with a broken limestone top layer and a base substrate of solid limestone. The vines dig deep into the hard, mineral-rich soil. This lends them a self-sustaining character and allows for long, healthy vegetative periods, even in extreme years. Wines from the Frauenberg are meticulously hand-selected and harvested, wild fermented and matured in Stück and Doppelstück barrels.

Bright straw-yellow, it has shimmering hues and a silver rim. In its youth, Frauenberg is more of a sketch than a highly shaded and detailed self-portrait. Stony and austere, it is reminiscent of wet gravel while cooling notes of fresh chervil and cucumber peel complement the citrus fruit, apricot stone, and apple skin. Unmistakable dark aromatics and smoky overtones deliberately shape the precise outline. A pulsating pressure builds on the tense palate, even as the nearly orchestral acidity acts like a conductor, guiding extract, phenolics, and minerality to each play their part. Complex and nuanced, it is a wine whose potential requires not only a decanter but also a few years of bottle maturation. Frauenberg is a mineral-driven wine with a tremendous affinity for fine cuisine. Lobster, seafood, sashimi, and dishes that feature soy sauce make for great pairings, while finely-prepared German classics like KönigsbergerKlopse and Braten in horseradish sauce push it toward the sublime.

Ratings

16 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Frauenberg
  • South, Southwest
  • 1200ft Elevation, 10% gradient
  • Loess, Limestone, Stomy Clay Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7.2g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2017-Frauenberg Riesling

The Frauenberg lies in the southern Wonnegau, north of Hohen-Sülzen heading towards Flörsheim at an elevation of up to 280 meters and up to 40% gradient. The historic site can be traced back through official documents to at least 1290, where it was called the “an frauwenhalten” and was the site of a nunnery. H.O. Spanier rescued the Frauenberg from oblivion and placed it back in the consciousness of wine lovers. While purely south facing, the exposed site on the Frauenberg experiences constant cooling winds, with a broken limestone top layer and a base substrate of solid limestone. The vines dig deep into the hard, mineral-rich soil. This lends them a self-sustaining character and allows for long, healthy vegetative periods, even in extreme years. Wines from the Frauenberg are meticulously hand-selected and harvested, wild fermented and matured in Stück and Doppelstück barrels.

Bright straw-yellow, it has shimmering hues and a silver rim. In its youth, Frauenberg is more of a sketch than a highly shaded and detailed self-portrait. Stony and austere, it is reminiscent of wet gravel while cooling notes of fresh chervil and cucumber peel complement the citrus fruit, apricot stone, and apple skin. Unmistakable dark aromatics and smoky overtones deliberately shape the precise outline. A pulsating pressure builds on the tense palate, even as the nearly orchestral acidity acts like a conductor, guiding extract, phenolics, and minerality to each play their part. Complex and nuanced, it is a wine whose potential requires not only a decanter but also a few years of bottle maturation. Frauenberg is a mineral-driven wine with a tremendous affinity for fine cuisine. Lobster, seafood, sashimi, and dishes that feature soy sauce make for great pairings, while finely-prepared German classics like KönigsbergerKlopse and Braten in horseradish sauce push it toward the sublime.

Ratings

18 Jancis Robinson points | 95 Robert Parker points

Wine Facts

  • Riesling
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Frauenberg
  • South, Southwest
  • 1200ft Elevation, 10% gradient
  • Loess, Limestone, Stomy Clay Loam
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 7.2g/l
  • 3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 6-8°C
  • Now-2040

2020 Spätburgunder

The southern Wonnegau has been known since medieval times for achieving ripeness in grape varieties that fail to thrive in cooler places. Spätburgunder has always been part of that equation, and can virtually be counted as a native of this place. While days in the Wonnegau can be very hot, the cool nights mean overall higher diurnal temperature swings than in other districts. Harvested ripe — but never overripe — we raise our estate-level Spätburgunder Gutswein in barrique and French tonneaux. This provides the first encounter between wine and oxygen, accentuating the delicate fruit of the Spätburgunder with earthy spice. The wine shines a deep ruby red in the glass with aromas of red berry fruit and ripe cherries. Underscored with delicate herbal nuances, it is juicy and refreshing with charming fruit, subtle spice, and refined tannins that give it a thrilling texture. From a wurst sandwich to pasta, an uncomplicated, joyous Spätburgunder complements any day or dish.

Ratings

16 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Pinot Noir
  • Dry
  • VDP.GUTSWEIN
  • Limestone and Loess
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 5.5g/l
  • 0.3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 17-19°C
  • Now-2040

2019 Hohen-Sülzen Spätburgunder

The Erste Lage classification denotes world-class vineyards of especially notable characteristics: Hohen-Sülzen lies along the Eisbachtal. This river flows from the Donnersberg massif and exerts a significant climatic influence on the valley. The fluctuations between daytime and night-time temperature are more pronounced in Hohen-Sülzen than in other districts. This gives the wine its freshness, elegance, and tension. The vines grow on pure limestone with a generous deposit of loess and are characterized by their ripe fruit, fine spice, and nuanced acidity. The grapes for this wine were selectively hand-harvested, wild fermented, and matured for 18 months in French barriques. With shades of deep ruby, Hohen-Sülzen Spätburgunder reveals aromas of dark berries such as blackberry and elderberry. The sublime touch of barrel spice complements the fruit, with mild accents of allspice and nutmeg. It’s chiseled and elegant on the palate, with generous dark fruit and youthful, polished tannins. A delicate salty minerality and striking verve carry the fruit across the spicy-cool finish line. A delightful pairing with Boeuf Bourgignon, roasted pigeon, or Sicilian parmigiana.

Ratings

16.5 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Pinot Noir
  • Dry
  • VDP.ERSTE LAGE
  • Hohen-Sülzen
  • South, Southwest
  • 500ft Elevation, 15% gradient
  • Limestone and Loess
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 5.8g/l
  • 0.3g/l
  • 12.5%
  • 17-19°C
  • Now-2040

2020 Kirchenstück Spätburgunder

The Kirchenstück is our flagship in Hohen-Sülzen. It is a very old vineyard, which is already mentioned in documents before the 30-year war. Its original name was Griebelsteyn-and this vociferous name is very apt. Kirchenstück consists of soft, limestone stones and daytime temperatures are always a little higher than in our locations in Mölsheim or Nieder-Flörsheim. Hohen-Sülzen lies in the Eisbach Valley where, as the name suggests, the cold stream, which originates in the Donnersberg massif, exerts a considerable influence with cooler nights. As a result, despite the high grape ripeness, the wines retain their freshness, elegance, and acidity. This Spätburgunder comes from our oldest Pinot Noir vines. The yields are extremely low and the chalky underfloor brings a wonderfully cool freshness to the wine. The dark fruit aromas of currant and black cherry are restrained. In the mouth, the wine remains dark and spicy, and minerality dominates. This Spätburgunder matured in one-year-old barrels from Burgundy for almost two years.

Ratings

93 James Suckling points | 17.5 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Pinot Noir
  • Dry
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Kirchenstück
  • South
  • Soft Elevation, 15% gradient
  • Limestone, Loamy Loess
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 5.7g/l
  • 0.3g/l
  • 13.5%
  • 17-19°C
  • Now-2045

2019 Kirchenstück Spätburgunder

The Kirchenstück is our flagship in Hohen-Sülzen. It is a very old vineyard, which is already mentioned in documents before the 30-year war. Its original name was Griebelsteyn-and this vociferous name is very apt. Kirchenstück consists of soft, limestone stones and daytime temperatures are always a little higher than in our locations in Mölsheim or Nieder-Flörsheim. Hohen-Sülzen lies in the Eisbach Valley where, as the name suggests, the cold stream, which originates in the Donnersberg massif, exerts a considerable influence with cooler nights. As a result, despite the high grape ripeness, the wines retain their freshness, elegance, and acidity. This Spätburgunder comes from our oldest Pinot Noir vines. The yields are extremely low and the chalky underfloor brings a wonderfully cool freshness to the wine. The dark fruit aromas of currant and black cherry are restrained. In the mouth, the wine remains dark and spicy, and minerality dominates. This Spätburgunder matured in one-year-old barrels from Burgundy for almost two years.

Ratings

93 James Suckling points | 17.5 Jancis Robinson points

Wine Facts

  • Pinot Noir
  • Dry
  • VDP.GROSSE LAGE
  • Kirchenstück
  • South
  • Soft Elevation, 15% gradient
  • Limestone, Loamy Loess
  • 0.75Ltr
  • 5.7g/l
  • 0.3g/l
  • 13.5%
  • 17-19°C
  • Now-2045