Château Grand Corbin-Despagne

The Despagne family acquired their first parcels in Saint-Émilion in 1812, making this one of the longer-standing family estates in the appellation. The property took its current name, Château Grand Corbin-Despagne, in the late 19th century. Paul Despagne built the estate's reputation through the 20th century, and today François Despagne, the seventh generation of the family, manages the domaine. This continuity of ownership across more than two centuries has shaped a consistent house style and deep knowledge of the property's 53 individual parcels.

• First parcels acquired in 1812
• Current name established in the late 19th century
• Paul Despagne built the estate's modern reputation
• François Despagne is the seventh-generation manager

The estate sits in the northern part of the Saint-Émilion appellation, directly adjacent to Pomerol. This northern position places it on soils that differ from the limestone plateau and clay-limestone hillsides typical of the central appellation. The vineyard sits on argilo-sablo-siliceous soils with iron-rich clay subsoils, underlain by compact blue clays covered with ancient superficial sands. The 53 individual parcels that make up the 28-29 hectares allow the team to manage each microterroir separately, bringing precision to both viticulture and winemaking decisions.

• Northern Saint-Émilion, bordering the Pomerol appellation
• Iron-rich clay subsoils over compact blue clays
• Ancient superficial sands on top of the clay base
• 53 parcels spread across 28-29 hectares

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne received organic certification in 2013 from Qualisud (FR-BIO-16), reflecting the Despagne family's commitment to sustainable farming. The encépagement is led by Merlot at 75%, well suited to the iron-rich clay soils of the northern appellation, complemented by 24% Cabernet Franc, which adds structure and aromatic complexity. A small 1% of Cabernet Sauvignon rounds out the blend. The mosaic of 53 parcels allows for parcel-by-parcel harvesting decisions, supporting the precision viticulture approach the estate is known for.

• Certified organic since 2013 under Qualisud FR-BIO-16
• Merlot dominant at 75%, suited to the clay-rich soils
• Cabernet Franc at 24% adds structure and freshness
• Parcel-level farming across 53 individual plots

Château Grand Corbin-Despagne holds Grand Cru Classé status within the Saint-Émilion classification, having been promoted to this rank in the 2006 revision, which was formally ratified on 12 November 2007. The Saint-Émilion classification is periodically reviewed, unlike the fixed 1855 Médoc classification, and this promotion reflected recognition of the estate's quality and consistency. The property was previously listed as Cru Grand Corbin under the propriétaire Despagne name in earlier iterations.