Château Despagne-Rapin
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Château Despagne-Rapin, a family-owned estate since 1812 in Montagne, crafts wines across Montagne Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol. The 32-hectare vineyard is farmed biodynamically, and the wines are crafted with a natural approach.
Identity
Château Despagne-Rapin is located in the commune of Montagne. It is managed by the Despagne-Rapin family, established in the region for over three centuries and owners of the estate since 1812.
History and philosophy
The Despagne-Rapin family has deep roots in the Bordeaux wine region spanning several centuries. Château La Rose Figeac has been a family-owned estate since 1961. As early as 2006, viticulture free from synthetic chemicals was introduced across the estate's vines. The philosophy of the estate centres on producing wines crafted from organically and biodynamically grown grapes. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Appellations
The estate produces wines under the Montagne Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol appellations.
Practical information
The estate is located at the following address: 24, route de Libourne, Maison Blanche, 33570 Montagne. You can contact the estate by phone at +33 (0)5 57 74 62 18 or by email at vignobles@despagne-rapin.com. The estate offers on-site tastings and wine sales.
Find out more
Official estate websiteFrequently asked questions
- Where is Château Despagne-Rapin located?
- Château Despagne-Rapin is situated in the commune of Montagne. The Despagne-Rapin family, owners of the estate, have been rooted in this region since the 18th century and have helmed this winegrowing property since 1812. The exact address is 24, route de Libourne, Maison Blanche, 33570 Montagne.
- What certifications does Château Despagne-Rapin hold?
- Château Despagne-Rapin is certified organic and biodynamic. The estate adopted viticulture without synthetic chemicals back in 2006, reflecting a philosophy centred on crafting wines derived from these environmentally friendly practices. Grapes are harvested by hand to preserve fruit quality.
- Which appellations are produced by Château Despagne-Rapin?
- Château Despagne-Rapin produces wines under several Bordeaux appellations: Pomerol, Montagne Saint-Émilion, and Saint-Émilion. This diversity allows the estate to offer a range of wines reflecting the unique characteristics of its various terroirs.
- Which grape varieties are grown and what is the terroir at Château Despagne-Rapin?
- The grape varieties planted at Château Despagne-Rapin are predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard covers 32 hectares. The soils consist of gravel and ancient sands, classic terroirs of the region. These geological features, combined with the age of the vines—some of which reached fifty years in 1998—shape the distinctive character of the wines produced.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard spans an area of 32 hectares. The soils are composed of gravel and ancient sands. The plots are cultivated biodynamically. The grape varieties planted at Château La Rose Figeac are predominantly Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc. The vines at Château La Rose Figeac are around forty years old, with certain Merlot plots having reached fifty years of age in 1998.
Flagship cuvées
The estate's cuvées are defined by natural vinification methods, with no oenological inputs other than indigenous yeasts and bacteria. The wines contain low levels of sulphites, if any at all, and include cuvées with no added sulphites. Ageing is carried out traditionally, without air conditioning, manipulation, or flavouring. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, nor pasteurised, nor sterilised. Among the cuvées produced is Château La Rose Figeac. The estate also offers a sparkling wine.
Vinification and ageing
Vinification takes place using indigenous yeasts and bacteria. The methods do not involve any additional oenological inputs. Ageing is traditional, without artifice, manipulation, flavouring, or air conditioning. The wines are neither fined nor filtered, nor pasteurised, nor sterilised. An example of documented ageing is the Château Maison Blanche 2007, which matured for fifteen months in oak barrels.
- Appellations
- Pomerol, Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion
- Commune
- Montagne
- Wine region
- Libournais
- Owner
- Famille Despagne-Rapin
- Surface area
- 32 ha
- Certifications
- Bio, Biodynamie
- Grape varieties
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Practical information
- Address
- Maison Blanche, 33570 Montagne
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 57 74 62 18
- Contact form
- Contact the estate