Location and surface area of the Château Nénin vineyard
Located in the heart of the Pomerol appellation, on the right bank of Bordeaux, Château Nénin reigns over a unique terroir. Indeed, while most of the properties in the appellation do not exceed 10 hectares, the vineyard of Château Nénin covers a 32-hectare single-plot vineyard, with the exception of one plot, which makes it one of the largest estates in the appellation.
What is the history of Château Nénin?
A history that harks back to the 18th century
Owned by the Demay family since the 18th century, Château Nénin was subsequently acquired by the Paillet and Despujol families between the 19th and 20th centuries.
A new chapter in the history of the property from 1997
The property, whose 19th-century building is proudly portrayed on the label, was acquired in 1997 by the Delon family, cousins of the Despujol family, already owners of Château Léoville Las Cases (Saint-Julien) and Château Potensac (Médoc).
A new lease of life under the impetus of Michel Delon
Passionate and visionary, Michel Delon acquired the estate, next to Château Trotanoy, with the ambition of making it an essential reference among the finest Pomerol wines. He thus initiated major work to restructure the vineyard and modernise the wine-making infrastructure. In 1999, Michel Delon acquired half the vineyard of the former Château Certan-Giraud. The Moueix family, owners of Château Pétrus, owns the other half of this parcel.
All there is to know about the terroir of Château Nénin
Location and sun exposure
Thanks to its geographical location on the southern slopes of the Pomerol plateau and its location on the appellation’s most noble clay and gravel soils, Château Nénin benefits from ideal conditions which ensure the prosperous development of its vineyard.
Geology: very unique terroirs
The uniqueness of Château Nénin lies both in its surface area and in its terroir, which includes a wide variety of te appellation's typical soils (clay, siliceous gravel, quartz, granite, basalt pebbles and iron ore).
Two types of soil contribute to the signature style of this fine wine from the right bank of Bordeaux. The first, made up of small and deep gravels, favours deep rooting and thus ensures optimal ripening of the grapes.
On the other hand, a stony soil composed of gravel on the surface favours excellent drainage. By its capacity to restore the heat stored during the day at night, this soil regulates any temperature differences and favours the optimal development of the vines. This singularity brings power and structure to the wine.
Climate: an ideal temperate oceanic influence
The Pomerol appellation benefits from an oceanic climate, i.e. a temperate climate. Mild and rainy winters precede relatively hot and sunny summers.
Grape varieties and blending that enhance a singular style
The blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon results in a singular style that combines power and elegance, complexity and balance, purity and refinement... all the makings of a fine wine!
Merlot, which is early maturing and fully expresses its elegance and aromatic finesse, makes up the majority of the Château's wine blend. This grape variety gives the blend colour, suppleness, roundness and a delicious aromatic complexity by blending notes of spices and ripe red fruit.
Cabernet Franc, a typical Libourne grape variety, is perfectly suited to the terroir of the estate. Much loved for its aromatic qualities, this grape variety, whose share has gradually increased in the blend, provides tension and freshness combined with a bold tannic structure.
Lastly, Cabernet Sauvignon, a late variety grown on dry and hot soils, develops, through its complexity, the aromatic and tannic structure of the wine that promises an excellent ageing potential.
Vinification: precision and extreme finesse
The wines of Château Nénin come from a vineyard that is managed with the utmost rigour. They are vinified in a modern, high-performance cellar under the close surveillance of the expert Eric Boissenot, the estate's consultant oenologist for many years.
The Delon family's constant quest for excellence and respect for the integrity of the fruit is reflected in a highly precise vinification process that gives the estate’s wines, which has become an essential reference in Pomerol, a singular style recognised by the finest connoisseurs.
The style of the wines by Château Nénin
Wine profile
"A great Pomerol for ageing" is how the Delon family defines Château Nénin.
The Grand Vin of Château Nénin is known for its elegance and its great ageing potential. If the nose reveals a rich aromatic palette with floral and fruity aromas, the deep and complex palate seduces with its black fruit aromas and its very fine tannins.
The second wine of Château Nénin, La Fugue de Nénin has been produced since 1997, when the Delon family acquired the estate. Containing a greater proportion of Merlot than its elder brother, La Fugue de Nénin is more accessible in its youth while still expressing the identity of Pomerol and the estate. The name Fugue comes from the world of music, a fugue being the repetition of a tune, that is the estate's Grand Vin. Accessible and elegant, the Fugue de Nénin makes is marked by its freshness and delicate fruity fragrances. The palate is dense and seductive with its roundness, silky tannins and aromas of ripe red and black fruits.
Ageing potential
The wines by Château Nénin have an ageing potential of 10 to 15 years minimum.
Food and wine pairing
Thanks to their structure and complexity, these Pomerol wines will complement meat, game, poultry, cheese and some desserts.
