Château Beauséjour 'Empreintes' Rouge 2021

Château Beauséjour 'Empreintes' Rouge 2021 is a Vin de France that breaks cleanly from appellation rules, blending 70% Merlot with 30% Syrah from parcels split between Côtes de Castillon and Bergerac. The Dupuy family, four generations deep into Bordeaux viticulture, uses this wine to explore combinations impossible under the strictures of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOC, where their estate is based. The result is a medium-light red with fresh acidity and a supple, extended finish that reads more like a clever table wine than a structured Right Bank cellar candidate. The Dupuys hold Demeter biodynamic certification across their holdings, a commitment deepened as sons and daughters have joined the domaine. The fruit for 'Empreintes' comes from parcels the family farms outside their Saint-Émilion appellation home, giving them freedom to blend across regions and varieties without bureaucratic constraint. Vinification is minimal intervention: native fermentation, no fining, no filtration, no added sulfites. The approach aligns with the family's broader biodynamic philosophy, letting the fruit express itself without technical correction. The 2021 vintage shows bright red fruit, modest tannin, and a lively spine of acidity that keeps the wine fresh through a long finish. The Merlot contributes body and softness; the Syrah adds structure and a faint peppery lift. It's best served slightly cool with grilled meats, mushroom preparations, or charcuterie, though it drinks well on its own. The wine is approachable now and built for near-term enjoyment rather than extended cellaring. Château Beauséjour 'Empreintes' Rouge 2021 is available at Off Premise Chicago, 1128 W Armitage Ave in Lincoln Park, for in-store pickup, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.