Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne St. Emilion Bordeaux Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne St. Emilion with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne History, Overview

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne has been in the hands of the Despagne family for over two centuries! Which is quite a rarity these days as very few families continue holding on to their estates.

The genesis of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne began in 1812 with the initial purchase by the descendants of the current Despagne family. That initial foundation of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne began with Louis Despagne.

However, the family was in the region prior to 1812. Although, the Despagne clan was not yet a family with property to their name in the Bordeaux region. Though, the Despagne family was definitely involved in the Bordeaux wine business becoming established in Saint Emilion. They worked as farmers at Chateau Cheval Blanc. Following the French Revolution, the Despagne family was awarded the right to purchase vineyard land.

The original estate of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne was much smaller than it is today. At the time, the Right Bank estate was only 6.8 hectares.

Several years later, the Despagne family was finally able to purchase 20 additional hectares of vineyard land. Those additional vines created the vineyard that remains the same size that is still in use. Today, Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is managed by François Despagne, the 7th generation of his family to take charge of the property.

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 29-hectare Chateau Grand Corbin vineyard is planted to 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the years, the Malbec that was previously planted here has been almost completely removed. The vineyard is located close to the Pomerol border. It is one of 7 estates to share the name of Corbin for their vineyard.

The vineyard can be divided into 53 separate parcels. Their best terroir is closest to the Pomerol appellation, which explains why you find more clay, as well as some blue clay, along with sand in the soil there. The vines are old. Many vines are close to 40 years of age. However, they have a small selection of vines that are approaching 100 years of age.

The vineyard is planted to a density of 6,000 vines per hectare. The terroir as we mentioned, is complex with sand mixed with clay, sandy clay, blue clay, sandstone, and bits of iron in the soil. In 2004, they began moving to organic farming. After 2010, Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne was certified as being 100% organic.

To produce the wine of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne, vinification takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for an average of 15 months, which could vary, depending on the character of the vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2005.

There is a second wine, Petit Corbin Despagne. In addition, there is also a third wine, Chateau Laporte. The total production of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne, including their second wine, is on average about 7,500 cases of Bordeaux wine per year.

In addition, the family also owns a small vineyard in Pomerol, Chateau Le Chemin, as well as a property in Cotes de Castillon, Chateau Ampelia.

When to Drink Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is better with at least 5-7 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage.

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is best enjoyed in the first 5-18 years of life. Young vintages can be decanted for about 1 hour to 90 minutes. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Serving Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne with Wine and Food Pairings

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne is also good when matched with Asian dishes, rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

Since 2000, the wines of Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne have been improving. Previous vintages were not at the same level of quality as you find here these days. This is an outstanding value Bordeaux wine from Saint Emilion.

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