Maison Blanche
Maison Blanche
Bordeaux, France
Maison Blanche
COUNTRY
France
REGION
Bordeaux
sub Region
Libourne
Appellation
Saint-Émilion AOC
Climate
Moderate Maritime
WineMaker
Nicolas Despagnes
FARMING Practices
Organic, Biodynamic
The History
With family roots going back three centuries, the Despagnes know a thing or two about Bordeaux. The estate as we know it today dates back to 1875 when vines were planted by the Constant-Pineau family, and it was replanted by Louis Rapin and expanded upon by Gerard Despagnes to its current size of 40 hectares, 32 of which are under vine. Nicolas Despagnes is now at the helm of the estate and has worked tirelessly to obtain organic certification (Agriculture Bio and BioCoherence in 2008 and 2010, respectively) and ultimately biodynamic certification by Demeter in 2013.
The vineyards, which average 45 years of age, mostly planted to old varieties of Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, are situated on the gentle slopes of the plateau in Montagne, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Libourne. The soils here are clay-based, and provide the best raw material possible to make the classic wines of the region. Naturally, all the grapes are hand-harvested.
The Philosophy
In addition to Organic and Biodynamic farming, vinifications at Maison Blanche are straightforward and no-nonsense compared to more “modern” estates in Bordeaux. Native yeasts carrying out all fermentations in tank before being racked into a combination of new and used oak barrels where the wines rest for up to 18 months depending on the cuvée. Very little sulfur is used.
WINES FROM THIS PRODUCER
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