Château Grand Corbin-Despagne

family business

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Merlot

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne has remained in the same family for centuries. The Despagne family’s ties to Saint-Émilion date to the 1600s, and they have made wine here since the 1800s. François Despagne, the seventh generation, now helms the property.

Organic France

Our Experiences

Regional

Clay & Velvety Merlot

Essentials

Path to Prosperity in Bordeaux

Essentials

Introduction to the Interactive Tasting Method

Meet the Winemaker

François is in a perpetual state of striving for perfection. A trained biologist and self-described modern traditionalist, he analyzes every step of the winemaking process with scientific scrutiny. He focuses on understanding his unique terroirs, and in 1996, transitioned to sustainable viticulture.

In the Vineyard & Cellar

The two main soils of Château Grand Corbin-Despagne are typical of the area: sandy clay with iron deposits and shallow ancient sands atop clay. François studied the soil in depth and identified 53 different plots. The vineyard is planted with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most vines are around 40 years old, and one plot has 100-year-old vines. Grapes are vinified separately by variety. The wine is then pre-blended and aged in a mix of old and new oak for 12 to 18 months, depending on vintage. Final blending occurs 21 months after harvest before bottling.