The Despagnes have been long-term residents and wine producers in and around Saint-Émilion. They acquired Château Grand Corbin-Despagne in 1812, which lies in the Corbin section of the appellation, close to Pomerol. It lost its Grand Cru Classé status in 1996 but then recaptured it in 2006 following 10 years of hard work. This was all done under the leadership of François Despagne, who also lowered the yields (no more than 40 hl/ha) and changed to organic viticulture. In doing so, he has been able to create better and better wines that favor elegance over power.