# Château Beauportail (2023)

- **Producer:** Château Beauportail
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec
- **Region:** South West France, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, cloves, cedar, earth, mushroom, tobacco

## About this wine

Château Beauportail is a red wine from the Pécharmant AOP in Bergerac, Southwest France. The estate is distinguished by its unique terroir, characterized by rare, iron-rich blue clay soils, and a winemaking approach influenced by its Canadian owners. The Niedojadlo family, with Stefan Niedojadlo as head winemaker, aims to craft powerful, age-worthy wines that reflect the specific characteristics of the Pécharmant appellation. The 2023 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, with harvest beginning in early September. The estate is also transitioning towards organic viticulture and utilizes a blend of traditional French and Canadian oak for aging.

## Interesting facts

- The estate's soil is a rare blue clay, similar to that found in Pomerol.
- Canadian oak barrels are used in the aging process, a unique touch.
- The winery is committed to becoming 100% organic.
- The estate produces a modest 5,000 cases annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's robust tannins and medium-plus body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in richer meat dishes. Earthy notes often found in Pécharmant wines will harmonize with game and mushrooms, while the wine's fruit profile can balance the richness of sauces.

## Wine making process

Château Beauportail employs traditional winemaking techniques, focusing on gentle extraction through a French oak basket press to manage tannins. The wine is matured in a combination of French and Canadian oak barrels, a distinctive choice that adds complexity. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, with a stated goal of achieving 100% organic status. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes expressing the unique Pécharmant terroir, blending established methods with innovative elements like the use of Canadian oak, reflecting the family's heritage.