The history of Nénin Castle
A CENTURIES-OLD VINEYARD
THENénin CastleIt has been in existence for several centuries. It was owned by the familyDemayIn the 18th century, it belonged to the Paillet family, then in the 19th century, and finally to the Despujol family through marriage until 1997. At that time, Michel Delon bought the estate from his cousins and undertook significant renovations to improve the vineyard and facilities. The cellars were modernized and enlarged, and an air conditioning system was installed. The vines also benefited from some work; some vines were uprooted, others planted, and the soil was drained. That same year, Michel Delon acquired an additional 4 hectares from the former Château Certan Giraud. Château Nénin is now managed by his son.Jean-Hubert DelonThe estate produces a red wine with a protected designation of origin.Pomerolwhose quality improves year after year. Since 1997, the château has also marketed a second wine called Fugue de Nénin. It is the oenologistMichel Rollandwho carries out the blending of the wines of Château Nénin.
The exceptional terroir of Château Nénin
A VAST VINEYARD ON HIGHLY DIVERSE SOILS
In the namePomerolIt is rare for the area of cultivated vineyards to exceed 10 hectares.Nénin CastleThis estate is an exception, with 32 hectares of vines stretching in a single block, with one exception. As a result, the terroir benefits from the full diversity of soils specific to the appellation. The vineyard lies on the most extensive gravelly and clay soils of the Pomerol plateau. Oligocene deposits covered with gravelly alluvium formed by the Dordogne River make up the majority of this terroir, which also contains quartz, granite, basalt pebbles, and iron-rich clay. This soil diversity is reflected in the wines of Château Nénin. The grape varieties cultivated are Merlot (76%), Cabernet Franc (23%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (1%). The vines are on average 28 years old, and the planting density is 6,300 to 7,100 vines per hectare. The vines are cultivated using traditional and sustainable methods, and the harvest is done by hand.
The wines of Château Nénin
WINES FOR AGEING AND OF QUALITY
Once the grapes have been harvested and sorted, traditional vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 12 to 20 days. Fining is carried out with egg whites, and the wine is aged for 18 months in barrels. The main wine of theNénin CastleThis is an excellent wine for aging: slightly austere in its youth, it develops superb, velvety, and elegant tannins with age, along with a vibrant floral and fruity bouquet. The palate is deep and complex, revealing aromas of dark fruit. The château's second wine, Fugue de Nénin, is more approachable and reveals itself more quickly than the previous grand vin. The tannins are fine and express all the suppleness of the Merlot. Dark fruits such as blackcurrant and cherry are showcased, punctuated by a chocolate and truffle note.Delon familyis in constant pursuit of perfection and this is reflected in the wines of Château Nénin, whose quality increases every year.
