Alexandre Bain

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Alexandre Bain 〰️

Alexandre Bain is an iconic and often revolutionary natural wine producer from the Loire Valley, France. Based in Tracy-sur-Loire, near the famed Pouilly-Fumé appellation (though many of his wines are now classified as Vin de France due to his radical, terroir-driven style), Bain is a staunch advocate for biodynamic farming and minimal intervention winemaking.

He began his estate in 2007, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc, and has since expanded to around 11 hectares. His philosophy goes beyond organic; he embraces full biodynamic principles, promoting biodiversity in his vineyards with fruit trees, beehives, and using draft horses for plowing. In the cellar, his approach is hands-off: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, long aging on lees in stainless steel tanks or old barrels, and no fining or filtration. Sulfur additions are minimal or entirely absent.

Alexandre Bain's wines are highly distinctive. Unlike conventional Pouilly-Fumé, his Sauvignon Blancs are often harvested at peak ripeness, resulting in richer, more opulent wines with complex aromatics (ripe fruit, white flowers, intriguing saline notes) and a textured palate that defies the typical crisp, herbaceous profile of the appellation. This unique style, while celebrated by natural wine enthusiasts and top restaurants worldwide, has sometimes led to declassification to Vin de France by the appellation authorities. He also produces small quantities of other varieties like Gamay, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

His wines are highly sought after due to their quality, unique character, and relatively limited production. They are a must-try for anyone interested in authentic, expressive natural wines from the Loire.

Alexandre bain

Where to Find Alexandre Bain Wines

**Updated Information as of July 14, 2025:** Alexandre Bain's wines are highly sought after by natural wine enthusiasts and often sell out quickly upon release. Expect limited availability, especially for specific cuvées. Always check directly with retailers for the most current stock.

Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)

Wine-Searcher.com **Your primary resource for global availability.** Search for "Alexandre Bain" to find various merchants listing his wines and compare prices.
MORE Natural Wine (Online, Ships EU) A leading online retailer specializing in natural wines. They regularly feature a good selection of Alexandre Bain's wines, including various Sauvignon Blanc cuvées and his unique Gamay.
iDealwine (Online Auction/Retail, Ships Internationally) A prominent French online wine auction and direct sales platform. They often feature Alexandre Bain's current and older vintages.
Callmewine (Online, Italy & EU) An Italian online wine retailer that frequently lists Alexandre Bain's wines.
Caves Carrière (Online, Ships France/EU) A French online wine retailer that carries a selection of Alexandre Bain's white wines (e.g., "La Levée," "Terre d'Obus," "Les Grandes Hates," "Mademoiselle M").
Marée Haute (Online, Ships EU) Specializing in organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. They list various Alexandre Bain cuvées.
Le Caveau (Online, Ireland & EU) An Irish natural wine merchant that often stocks Alexandre Bain wines.
Caverna do Vinho (Online, Portugal & Worldwide shipping) A Portuguese online natural wine shop that features Alexandre Bain's wines, including "Terre d'Obus."

International Retailers & Distributors (Examples & General Tips)

  • **United States (Key Importers/Retailers):**
    • **Jenny & François Selections:** A leading importer of natural wines in the US, confirmed to import Alexandre Bain. Their website (jennyandfrancois.com) lists their producers and distributors by state, who then sell to local retailers.
    • **Cream Wine Company:** Also a confirmed importer for Alexandre Bain in the US.
    • **Buvons Wine LB (Online, US):** Has listed Alexandre Bain's "L. d'Ange" and "Champ Couturier" cuvées.
    • **Thatcher's Wine (Online, US):** A highly curated online retailer that often secures small allocations of highly sought-after natural wines.
    • *Contact top-tier independent wine shops in major cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago) that specialize in natural wines or grower Loire wines. Many will work with the above importers.*
  • **France (Direct & Retailers):**
    • **Winery Direct Sales:** While not typically set up for international direct shipping, if you are visiting the Loire Valley, you might be able to arrange a visit to the domaine (in Tracy-sur-Loire) by appointment.
    • **Specialized Cavistes & Wine Bars:** In Paris, Tours, Lyon, and other major French cities, seek out natural wine shops and bars. Alexandre Bain's wines are a staple in many of these establishments.
    • **La Cabote (Online, France):** As mentioned above, a good source for various cuvées.
    • **Les Passionnés du Vin (Online, France):** Also lists multiple Alexandre Bain wines.
  • **United Kingdom:**
    • **Forest Wines (UK Online Retailer):** A natural wine specialist that frequently stocks Alexandre Bain.
    • **Buon Vino (UK Online Retailer):** Often carries a good selection of natural Loire wines, including Bain.
    • **The Modest Merchant (UK Online Retailer):** Has listed Alexandre Bain wines.
    • *Contact leading independent wine merchants in London who focus on high-quality Loire wines and natural wine.*
  • **Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore):**
    • Alexandre Bain's wines are popular in Asian markets that embrace natural wine. Look for importers specializing in natural French wines.
    • **The Fine Wine Experience (Hong Kong):** May list his wines given their focus on collectible and artisanal producers.
  • **General Tips:**
    • **Expect Limited Availability & Variable Pricing:** Due to his small production and high demand, his wines can be scarce and prices can fluctuate.
    • **Join Mailing Lists:** Sign up for newsletters from specialized retailers and importers to be notified of new allocations.
    • **Declassification Note:** Many of Alexandre Bain's wines are classified as "Vin de France" rather than Pouilly-Fumé AOC. This is a stylistic choice reflecting his commitment to ripeness and minimal intervention, and it does not diminish the quality or desirability of the wine.

Winery Information & General Profile

**Winemaker:** Alexandre Bain.
**Location:** Tracy-sur-Loire, Loire Valley, France (near Pouilly-Fumé).
**Philosophy: Biodynamic & Radical Natural Wine:** Founded in 2007. Farms approximately 11 hectares biodynamically (certified by Ecocert and Demeter), using horses for plowing, promoting biodiversity. Minimal intervention in the cellar: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, long aging (often in stainless steel or old barrels), no fining or filtration, minimal/no added sulfur. Known for harvesting later for optimal ripeness.
**Key Grape Varieties:** Sauvignon Blanc (primary focus), Gamay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris.
**Signature Wines:** Primarily Sauvignon Blanc cuvées, often named after the parcels or with evocative names, e.g., "La Levée," "Pierre Précieuse," "Mademoiselle M," "L. d'Ange," "Les Grandes Hates," "Terre d'Obus." He also makes unique expressions of Gamay (e.g., "No 69"). Many are classified as Vin de France.
**Production:** Artisanal, relatively small production (around 50,000 bottles annually).
**Style:** Wines are distinctive, richer, more textured, and often more aromatic than typical Pouilly-Fumé. They emphasize purity of terroir and grape expression, with vibrant acidity and compelling minerality. Highly regarded by natural wine enthusiasts and top sommeliers.