The 2018 Alexandre Bain La Levée is a Vin de France white wine, as the producer chose to declassify it from Pouilly-Fumé due to his unique, terroir-driven style that diverged from appellation standards. This 2.5-hectare plot, located closest to the winery, features a complex clay, loam, and sand topsoil over limestone. The wine undergoes an extensive 42 months of aging, the longest of all Bain's cuvées. On the nose, it presents a very complex and deep aroma with notes of apricot, rhubarb, quince, and baked apples, complemented by a touch of cinnamon. The palate is tight, fresh, rich, and dense, offering ripe and crisp flavors with salty mineral and sweet fruity notes, leading to a long finish. It also exhibits an underlining salinity, enhancing its freshness and adding dimension to the fresh tropical fruits and floral notes. Some tasters describe it as having quince, macadamia nuts, honey, caramel, and a bracing, vital acidity, with an oxidative edge. 【A pioneering natural wine that defies traditional Pouilly-Fumé norms】. 🍴 Food Pairing: This wine pairs excellently with fried fish (like mullet), pasta, cheeses, and exotic dishes. Its crisp, mouth-watering profile also makes it a natural partner for seafood, goat cheese, and fresh herbs. Consider pairing it with pork, shellfish, or vegetarian dishes. The producer suggests spicy foods such as Thai spices, curry, ginger, and lemongrass to complement its richness and aromatic complexity. 🥂 Event Suggestions: Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party where guests appreciate unique, natural wines, or a special occasion celebrating artisanal winemaking. It's also suitable for a relaxed evening with gourmet seafood or a cheese tasting.