Château Grand Corbin-Despagne

Identity

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne is a family-owned winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Émilion. It is currently managed by François Despagne, representing the seventh generation of the family at the helm of the property. The cellar master is Pascal Llorca and the consultant oenologist is Thomas Duclos. The estate is recognised as a Grand Cru Classé.

History and philosophy

The Despagne family's history in the Libournais dates back to the 17th century, with a presence in Saint-Émilion spanning nearly 500 years. The acquisition of the Grand Corbin-Despagne estate by the Despagne family took place in 1812, marking the beginning of two centuries of family stewardship. François Despagne took over the vineyard in 1996. The estate was awarded Grand Cru Classé status in 2006. A philosophy of transmission guides the estate's practices, aiming to leave the vineyard in optimal condition for future generations. Committed to an environmental approach, the estate began its conversion to organic farming in the early 2010s and obtained certification in 2013. Biodynamic trials started in 2015, intensifying in 2018. Château Grand Corbin-Despagne is also committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The appellations

The wines of Château Grand Corbin-Despagne are produced under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations. The second wine, Petit Corbin-Despagne, also belongs to the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. Another cuvée named Reine Blanche is also produced in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.

Flagship wines

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne produces still red wines. The grand vin is Château Grand Corbin-Despagne. It is crafted from a blend dominated by Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and occasionally a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines from this sandy-clay terroir are often distinguished by their structure. The second wine, Petit Corbin-Despagne, was created in 1997. It is primarily Merlot-driven. Another cuvée, Reine Blanche, is also offered.

Practical information

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne is located in Saint-Émilion (33330).
Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 51 08 38
Email: f-despagne@grand-corbin-despagne.com

The tasting room is open Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, from January to December. Visits and tastings are strictly by appointment. Various paid tour options are available, ranging from the Classic Tour (1 hour, tasting of 2 wines) to more comprehensive experiences such as the Prestige Tour (tasting of 6 wines spanning 3 decades). Tours can be led by qualified oenology staff and are available in English. The estate accommodates groups (up to 50 people), pets, and offers on-site parking. Cellar-door sales and mail-order purchases are available.

Find out more

Official estate website

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Grand Corbin-Despagne vineyard spans 28.8 hectares, divided into 53 parcels. It is located in the north-west of the appellation, on the Grand Corbin plateau, about 3 km north-west of Saint-Émilion. The soils are predominantly sandy-siliceous clay with iron pan (crasse de fer), including compact blue clays and sandy-clay topsoils. The grape varieties are dominated by Merlot (75%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (24%) and a small proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (1%). Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand. The estate has been certified organic since 2013 and practises biodynamics. It also holds HVE certification.

Vinification and ageing

Harvesting is performed by hand. Vinification takes place notably in concrete vats. For Château Grand Corbin-Despagne, ageing is carried out in barrels and, for a small portion, in amphorae (around 5%) over a period varying from fifteen to eighteen months. Petit Corbin-Despagne undergoes shorter ageing with a more moderate oak influence, including time spent in vats and amphorae.