Grand Corbin-Despagne, Chateau
Summary
Château Grand Corbin-Despagne is a seventh-generation family estate spanning 28.79 hectares in northwestern Saint-Émilion, producing predominantly Merlot-based wines from sandy-clay soils with iron deposits and gravel sections. The Grand Cru Classé property combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with plot-specific vinification, extended fermentation periods, and sustainable practices that honor their two centuries of continuous ownership while ensuring authentic terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Grand Corbin-Despagne traces its origins to 1812 when Louis Despagne purchased vineyards in the northwestern sector of Saint-Émilion known as Grand Corbin. The estate represents one of the oldest family-owned properties in Bordeaux, with the Despagne family maintaining continuous ownership for over two centuries. François Despagne, representing the seventh generation, currently directs all aspects of vineyard management and winemaking operations. Under his leadership since 1996, the property achieved Grand Cru Classé status in the 2006 Saint-Émilion classification, a designation reaffirmed in subsequent revisions. The family's deep connection to this specific terroir is evidenced by their focused acquisition strategy, maintaining the estate's historical boundaries while gradually incorporating adjacent parcels that share similar soil profiles.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Grand Corbin-Despagne encompasses 28.79 hectares of vineyards situated in the northwestern corner of Saint-Émilion, bordering Pomerol. The vineyard composition consists of 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, planted on predominantly sandy-clay soils with significant iron deposits and gravel sections. This diverse soil structure, combined with vineyard plots spread across several distinct terroirs within the Grand Corbin sector, contributes to the complexity of the estate's wines. The average vine age exceeds 40 years, with some parcels dating back to the 1930s. The estate produces approximately 90,000 bottles annually of its grand vin, with a second wine labeled Petit Corbin-Despagne. The property sits at elevations between 33 and 38 meters above sea level, with vineyard density maintained at 6,600 to 7,500 vines per hectare depending on the specific plot.
Philosophy & Practice
François Despagne implements a vineyard management approach that emphasizes soil health and biodiversity. The estate practices plot-by-plot vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete tanks, with fermentation periods typically lasting 25 to 30 days. Malolactic fermentation occurs in a combination of tanks and barrels, followed by aging in French oak barrels for 15 to 18 months, with 40-50% new oak depending on the vintage characteristics. The estate employs minimal intervention techniques during vinification, including gravity-flow systems to reduce mechanical manipulation of the grapes and wine. Harvesting is conducted entirely by hand, with multiple sorting stages to ensure only optimal fruit enters the winemaking process. In 2013, the estate completed construction of a new technical facility designed to enhance precision in both vinification and aging while reducing environmental impact through improved energy efficiency and water management systems.