2023 "Auf dem Kalkofen" Riesling dry, Battenfeld-Spanier Winery, Rheinhessen, 0.75l

2023 "Auf dem Kalkofen" Riesling dry, Battenfeld-Spanier Winery - Rheinhessen
single-vineyard wine

Origin:

The Battenfeld-Spanier winery in Hohen-Sülzen, founded in 1991 by Hans-Oliver (HO) Spanier , is now one of Germany's leading biodynamic wineries and has been a member of the VDP (Association of German Wine Producers) since 1998. The Riesling "Auf dem Kalkofen" comes from the Zeller Valley , a cultural landscape with over 1,000 years of winemaking history. The site, whose name refers to historic lime kilns, disappeared under the collective term "Silberberg" with the 1971 regional reform and is now listed separately on the label for the first time with the 2023 vintage. The limestone-rich soils give the wines their characteristic tension, minerality, and cool elegance.

Expansion:

The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented spontaneously with natural yeasts . The wine was aged traditionally in large wooden barrels (1,200 liters) , where it matured on the fine lees to develop structure and depth. By deliberately avoiding technical interventions, the purist character of the site is preserved: precise, taut, and terroir-focused .

Aroma & Taste:

The 2023 "Auf dem Kalkofen" presents a cool, limestone minerality and fine, expressive fruit. Aromas of citrus fruits, white blossoms, and ripe peach on the nose, along with a subtle herbaceous note. On the palate, it is straightforward and taut , with juicy acidity, salty spice, and crystalline precision. A wine that perfectly balances the tension between power and elegance – Premier Cru in aspiration, Grand Cru in character .

Food recommendation:

Ideal with grilled fish with lemon butter , scallops , or poultry with herbs . It also pairs perfectly with slightly spicy Asian cuisine or vegetarian dishes like risotto with green asparagus . A versatile food companion that reveals its full complexity in large glasses.

Special features of the 2023 vintage in Rheinhessen:

2023 in Rheinhessen was characterized by a cool, wet spring , followed by a stable, warm autumn , which allowed for a long growing season. Yields were lower, but the grapes achieved an excellent balance of ripeness, freshness, and aromatic concentration . Riesling, in particular, demonstrated a clear acid structure, precision, and longevity —perfect conditions for terroir-focused wines like "Auf dem Kalkofen."

Conclusion:

With the 2023 "Auf dem Kalkofen," Battenfeld-Spanier brings a forgotten vineyard back to the forefront – and this is their second wine to be distributed through La Place de Bordeaux , underscoring their international appeal. The wine embodies HO Spanier's philosophy: letting the soil speak for itself, translating minerality, and revealing origins. A Riesling with character, excitement, and great aging potential – and a milestone in the renaissance of historic vineyards in the Zeller Valley.