Such was the case with our recent visit to the charming family producer of Allimant Laugner in Orschwiller. This family domaine represents a yearning for quality and integrity that beautifully upholds the spirit of Alsace. They produce a comparatively modest range of regional varietal wines, with a single Grand Cru Praelatenberg (Riesling), and a lovely cuvée Pinot Gris Au Puits des Moines from 50 year old vines.

But where they shine with blinding brightness is in their focused range of crémants. I had heard very positive hints of this, like a secret quietly passed along, and so was definitely excited to introduce them to my taste buds. The style at Allimant-Laugner is to retain complete freshness of the fruit character with almost no manipulation. Based on this preference for freshness and an inherently bright fruit palette, their crémants are in their prime at the youthful stage. So while it is tempting to guard these discoveries, drink ‘em young!

In the shadow of Chateau Haut-Konigsberg sits the little village of Orschwiller and the unsuspecting family domaine of Allimant-Laugner. Their tasting room is warm and welcoming, and ready to delight your senses! 

Alsace can seem a vast region of numerous producers, and in the beginning it can be difficult to make sense of it all. Many domaines sprinkled along a picturesque north-south spectrum, the landscape seemingly blessed by supernatural, divine forces. And indeed well, that it is. Occasionally you hear about a specific wine from a specific producer which gives your visit some focus. And if your research is confirmed, it is a joy to discover some new bottled treasure. Even better if the tasting room is welcoming, chatty, friendly. For me this is the joy of wine tourism – with a convivial atmosphere that wholly elevates the experience.

Their line of crémants includes three. Crémant d’Alsace Brut is a blend of pinot blanc, riesling, and pinot gris, in order of descending proportion. This is a phenomenally sound balance as each varietal confidently contributes it’s own qualities- pinot blanc offering softness and balance, riesling offering citrus and fruit aromas, pinot gris providing concentration and roundness. Fresh and nearly completely dry, this wine sees no final dosage to affect the sweetness. Second is Crémant d’Alsace rosé made from 100% pinot noir. This wine was supremely sophisticated, and the highlight of their lineup in my opinion. A delicate robe of pale salmon, with subtle aromas of strawberries and cherries to welcome your senses, and a counterpoint of bright minerality. Finally, a Crémant d’Alsace Demi-sec. Also a very well integrated wine, with the same blend as the Brut but with a slight dosage after disgorgement which adds sweetness obviously and some viscosity. These are very elegant sparkling wines indeed, and at around €8-9 per bottle, seriously undervalued! 

Their varietal wines are chiseled and precise in respective characteristic style. Muscat exploding on the nose, Riesling 2017 a fresh, lean and focused. Rounding out their lineup are a Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive, a Gewurtzraminer VT, and a Riesling Selection de Grains Noble. All this presented by Françoise the matriarch and her bright smile and inviting presence.

Domaine Allimant-Laugner

10 Grand Rue, 67600 Orschwiller, France
Tel: +33 03 88 92 06 52   |   Website
Tasting room hours:
Mon-Sat: 8-12p, 1:30-6/6:30pm, closed Sunday.
Always call ahead to check hours and availability.