As autumn settles in, an irresistible craving for Alsace wines takes hold among wine lovers. Naturally, this region’s production accounts for only a small fraction of wine auction sales. Last year, just 1.1% of the bottles sold on iDealwine came from this distinctive region, a proportion that remained stable in October with 284 bottles changing hands on the site.
Unsurprisingly, dry white wines largely dominate (74%), with the Trimbach Riesling Clos Saint-Hune standing out as a benchmark. Only four bottles of this famed cuvée, sourced from a terroir nestled at the heart of the Rosacker Grand Cru, went under the IWA-iDealwine hammer last month. All these mature vintages saw their prices rise. The 1993 sold for €300 (+131% versus its usual iDealwine price estimate), while the 2003, 2005 and 2008 vintage bottles found buyers at €263 (+5%), €288 (+5%) and €294 (+27%) respectively.
Another signature that honours Alsace and biodynamic practices is Domaine Zind-Humbrecht. Recently represented by the Riesling Grand Cru Rangen de Thann, Clos Saint Urbain, the 2008 vintage reached €138 (+10%), while the 2010 sold for €125, and the 2017 for €106.
What would Alsace be without Jean-Michel Deiss, who has been instrumental in promoting the singularity of its exceptional terroirs? This extraordinary winemaker cultivates vines that narrate the region’s full diversity. The iconic Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim dazzled collectors with vintages at their peak, including the 2005, which went for €113 (+29%), and the 2010, sold at €88.
The sweet jewels of Alsace: Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles
Alsace is naturally renowned worldwide for its specialities such as Vendanges Tardives and, even rarer, Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN). Produced only when vintage conditions allow and in minute quantities, these wines delight connoisseurs who are as discerning as they are patient. A 1994 Riesling Schoenenbourg SGN by Deiss was acquired by an American collector for €119 (+16%). Meanwhile, a 1989 Riesling SGN from Hugel, sold to a Dutch buyer, fetched €113 (+10%) and a 2013 Riesling Vendanges Tardives Schlossberg went to Germany, having been bought for €88. The 2007 Muenchberg VT from Ostertag sold for €69 and headed to Belgium.
The rising success of Alsace pinots noirs
Last month, 42 bottles of Alsace red wines sold on the iDealwine auction platform. These rare and prestigious wines are now well recognised by enthusiast seeking top-quality Pinots Noirs. At the pinnacle is the almost impossible-to-find production of Jintaro Yura. A 2023 vintage of his cuvée, “La partie et le tout,” with a very limited production of about 650 bottles, sold for €140 (+40%). In the same natural spirit, wines by Gérard Schueller also enjoy genuine success at auction. His cuvée “Le Chant des Oiseaux” was sold for €113 to an American collector. Among this revered trio, let’s not forget Domaine Albert Mann, historically renowned for its Pinot Noirs with a bottle of 2011 Clos de la Faille fetching €94 (+6%). Among the producers to watch, Domaine Barmès-Buecher is particularly endearing, with a Magnum of 2018 Alsace Vieilles Vignes going under the hammer for €95 (+26%). The unmissable Domaine Valentin Zusslin also captured bidders’ attention with a 2015 Pinot Noir Bollenberg Harmonie snapped up for €82 (+59%).
The enthusiasm for Alsace’s fine wines is driven by the talent and determination of exceptional winemakers. In 2024, the average hammer price stood at €54. While prices are rising, they remain appealing compared to some other regions. This is definitely a vineyard to follow, with the keenest attention!
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