Château Melin: from father to son

Thomas comes from both a farming and winemaking background:

Available directly from the estate on Avenue des Vins.

How did the estate go from dairy farming to winemaking?

From Dairy to Vineyard

When my grandfather bought Château Mélin in 1948, it was specialized in dairy production. It wasn't until the 1950s that he decided to acquire a vineyard, and he fully dedicated himself to it starting in the 1970s,

says Thomas.

Vincent Debacque, Thomas's father, took over the estate in the 1980s. Thomas, who has been immersed in this world from a young age, joined him in 2012 after studying at the universities of Bordeaux and Dijon. Today, Vincent and Thomas work hand in hand.

How is the vineyard organized today?

1.5 Hectares in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

The Château Mélin vineyard spans over 10 hectares, divided between the Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations. The winemaking and aging combine traditional methods (fermentation in tanks, aging in oak barrels for 12 months). The annual production is approximately 20,000 bottles. Currently, 50% of the bottles produced at Château Mélin are sold directly from the estate, while the remainder is marketed in bulk. In the future, Thomas hopes to achieve exclusive bottled production. Always ready for challenges, Thomas and his father are committed to soil-friendly practices, using vineyard maintenance products with minimal chemical components. Shortly after Thomas's arrival, the two winemakers acquired an additional 1.5 hectares in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.

What wines does the estate produce?

Fine and Elegant Wines, Typical of Saint-Émilion

The range of wines at Château Mélin primarily consists of two red wines: the "Château Mélin" cuvée and the "Revintho" cuvée. Both wines from the estate stand out for their balance and subtlety, essential criteria for Thomas and Vincent, who strive to produce fine and elegant wines that are representative of the Saint-Émilion appellation, with pronounced red fruit notes.

Produced for the first time in 1948 (the year the estate was established), the "Château Mélin" cuvée remains the emblem of the estate. Made using traditional winemaking methods, it benefits from 12 months of aging in oak barrels and reveals a fruity and expressive palate with velvety tannins.

Vinified in AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, the "Revintho" cuvée was introduced in 2012, the same year as Thomas. It features an elegant and balanced palate with a slightly toasted texture.

What is next for Château Mélin?

New Cuvée in Development

Recently, Thomas and Vincent purchased a plot of Cabernet Sauvignon, the third emblematic grape variety of the Saint-Émilion appellation, alongside Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While Thomas is currently unable to determine the future of this plot, he does not rule out the possibility of vinifying it and blending it with his existing cuvées to evolve his wines. Additionally, a new cuvée, vinified entirely in barrel in AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and currently aging, is expected to be released soon.

Discover the wines of Château Mélin directly from the estate, at the estate price, in a short supply chain on Avenue des Vins.

Frequently asked questions about Château Mélin

Where is the Château Mélin vineyard located?

The estate sits in Libourne, in the Gironde, on Bordeaux's right bank. Its plots fall within the Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations.

What wines does the estate make?

The range centres on two reds, the Château Mélin cuvée and the Revintho cuvée. Both aim for balance and finesse, with a clear red-fruit character.

Is Château Mélin farmed organically?

The domain holds no organic certification. Thomas and his father do cut back on chemical treatments and look after the life of the soil, in a gradual approach rather than a label.

What is the Revintho cuvée?

Born in 2012, the year Thomas joined, it is vinified in Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. The palate leans on balance, lifted by a faint toasted note.

Can you buy Château Mélin wines directly from the estate?

Yes. Half the output is sold direct from the property, at the estate price and with no middleman. You receive the reds shipped straight from the estate.