The Despagne family have owned and grown vines on the Mirambeau site for over 250 years, though Jean-Louis Despagne is the first to devote himself entirely to winemaking.

After graduating in enology from the University of Bordeaux, armed with tips from Emile Peynaud and Jean Ribereau-Gayon, he set out to complete his training on several continents including Africa and South America.

From the original 49 acres of vines, the estate has gradually increased to its pressent 217 acres. Nearly two-thirds of that are devoted to white wines. Michel Rolland is but one of the Château's consulting enologists.

Vinification for the white wines take place in temperature-contolled stainless steel tanks, and remain on their lees until bottling.

The Entre-deux-Mers is made with 34% Sauvignon Blanc (for citrus aromas) along with 33% Semillon (for weight) and 33% Muscadelle (for floral aromas). With its fresh and lively nose offering aromas of citrus fruit and herbs, this crisp wine also contains surprising richness on the palate. Great as an apéritif, but also a lovely accompanyment to shellfish, seafood and cold salads.

The Bordeaux Sauvignon is pressed slowly and vinified at carefully controlled temperatures which insures plenty of varietal extraction. Crisp and lively, with grapefruit, mango and peach notes, it is perfect as an apéritif, with seafood and fish, chicken dishes, or just to sip on its own.

The Cuvée Passion is made with a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured 10 months in new oak barrels (where it also passes its malolactic), the result is a full-bodied, superbly-balanced wine. Rich and forward on the nose, its velvety texture yields ripe cassis flavors and spicy oak -- a perfect match for roasted and grilled meats or mature cheeses.

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