Discovery Case: Alsace

Tucked beneath the shadow of the fairytale Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg in the village of Orschwiller, Domaine Allimant-Laugner is as close to a living wine legend as you'll find in Alsace. Thirteen generations of the same family have been coaxing extraordinary wines from these sun-drenched slopes, and what Nicolas Laugner and his family are doing today is arguably the finest chapter yet. Farming 12 hectares across 40 beautifully individual plots, fully certified organic from the 2023 vintage, this is a domaine that lets the land do the talking. The result? A WOW Series that takes you on a grand tour of Alsace in a single case: from effervescent rosé bubbles to spice-laden whites, a majestic Grand Cru Riesling, and a silky Pinot Noir that has no business being this good at this price. Buckle up.

Each wine in this case is also available to purchase individually — simply click the link beneath each bottle to explore further.

WOW Series Alsace:

Domaine Allimant-Laugner Crémant d'Alsace Rosé, NV, Alsace, France: If Champagne is the glamorous older sibling, this Crémant Rosé is the one who actually gets invited to every party. Made from 100% Pinot Noir using the traditional method, it opens with an irresistible brioche and fruit aroma on the nose, reminiscent of strawberries, raspberries and pomegranate, then rounds out on the palate with a mouth-filling charm and a clear, well-structured finish. Champagne prices? Definitely not. Champagne quality? Dangerously close.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner Pinot Gris, 2023, Alsace, France: Forget everything you think you know about Pinot Gris. This is not your supermarket Pinot Grigio; this is the grape in its full, unapologetic Alsatian mode, and it's wearing a crown. This vintage survived a dry summer with flying colours, delivering a smoky, intense nose of toasted hazelnuts and flint before a generous, full palate leads to a long, lingering smoky finish. Spice weaves through the mid-palate alongside notes of orchard fruit, with a creamy, off-dry finish that wraps around you like a cashmere blanket. Rich, opulent, and dignified... This is a white wine that demands a proper glass, a comfy chair, and perhaps a wedge of Comté. Royalty, bottled.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner, Gewürztraminer, 2020, Alsace, France: Gewürztraminer is the grape that doesn't do subtle, and this one leans all the way in. The nose opens with enticing hints of honeysuckle, white peach and honey, while the palate reveals bright acidity, a light body and a pure, clean finish. The finish is juicy and lengthy, with floral notes of roses, a little yuzu, and light spicy nuances that linger beautifully. Think rose water, lychee, and exotic spice in a glass made for duck, blue cheese, or, frankly, a very relaxed Tuesday evening. Opulent, perfumed, and unashamedly itself.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner Riesling, 2023, Alsace, France: The Riesling that reminds you why Alsace has been obsessed with this grape for centuries. Grown on granitic soils that give it a beautiful tension, this vintage shows notes of mandarin on the nose and a tonic, energetic palate, and there's extra zip and vivacity to enjoy. A bone-dry, 90-point Riesling at this price is, frankly, a bit rude to other wines. Give it five years and that gorgeous petrol note will start to emerge. Or don't wait. Both are valid life choices.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner Praelatenberg Grand Cru Riesling, 2020, Alsace, France: This is the headline act. The Praelatenberg parcel near Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle has been home to grapevines since 823 AD, and the vines know it. The gneissic granite soils, rich in quartz, mica and feldspar, give this Riesling a freshness and energy with a clear salinity that offers serious ageing potential; the minerality practically bursts from the glass as if the grapes came straight from the rock. Fermented with natural yeasts for five weeks and aged on fine lees for six months in large oak barrels before bottle ageing. Robert Parker scored it 92 points. At this price, for a wine from vines first planted by Benedictine monks, it's one of the most absurdly valuable Grand Crus you'll find anywhere in France. Don't sleep on it.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner Pinot Noir, 2023, Alsace, France: Alsatian Pinot Noir is one of France's best-kept secrets, and this is Exhibit A. Originally from Burgundy and nearly extinct in Alsace a century ago, Nicolas Laugner has brought it roaring back. James Suckling called it juicy, playful and crunchy, with strawberries, raspberries and mild spices on the nose, flowing through to a medium body with fresh acidity, a silky texture and a delicious finish. The vintage is bone-dry and finely tannic, with structure, grip, intensity and a certain power; it is wholeheartedly Alsatian. Chill it slightly, pair it with charcuterie, and prepare to wonder why you ever paid Burgundy prices. This is the cheeky underdog of the case — and it might just be the one you go back for a second glass of first.