Château Nénin
Bordeaux
Address:
Château Nénin, Route de Montagne, 33500 Libourne, France
Website:
Winemaker:
Jean-Hubert Delon
First Vintage:
1869
Accepts Visitors:
Special Request
PRESTIGE
4
Summary
Château Nénin is an esteemed wine estate located in the Pomerol appellation on the right bank of Bordeaux, France. Pomerol is renowned for its small-scale production of exquisite red wines, and Château Nénin is a quintessential example of the region’s craftsmanship.
The estate boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the late 18th century. Over the years, it has seen various ownerships, each contributing to the development and modernization of the vineyard, culminating in the acquisition by the Delon family, proprietors of the famed Château Léoville Las Cases in Saint-Julien, in 1997.
Château Nénin's vineyard stretches over 32 hectares of prime Pomerol terroir, characterized by its diverse soil composition that includes gravel, clay, and sand. This diverse terroir is one of the secrets behind the complexity and allure of Château Nénin's wines. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot, which accounts for approximately 78% of the blend, with Cabernet Franc making up the remaining 22%. These proportions reflect the typical Pomerol tradition, where Merlot usually plays the starring role.
Under the meticulous care of the Delon family, Château Nénin has been transformed. The vineyards have been restructured, and an impressive, state-of-the-art winemaking facility has been constructed. The family's dedication to quality is evident in their careful vineyard management practices, including sustainable farming methods, hand-harvesting, and rigorous selection processes.
The winemaking process at Château Nénin is a blend of tradition and innovation. After the manual harvest, the grapes are sorted and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to ensure precision in the winemaking process. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, a significant percentage of which are new, to impart depth, structure, and subtle oak nuances.
Château Nénin's wines are known for their elegance, balance, and silky tannins. They exhibit a rich bouquet of aromas that may include ripe red and black fruits, such as plums and blackberries, intertwined with hints of licorice, truffle, and a touch of oak. On the palate, the wine offers a full-bodied experience with layers of flavor that evolve and become more complex as the wine matures. The finish is typically long and satisfying, making the wines of Château Nénin highly sought-after by connoisseurs and collectors alike.
Visitors to Château Nénin can expect a warm welcome. The estate may offer guided tours of the vineyards and the cellars, providing an insight into the winemaking process and the opportunity to sample the estate’s vintages. The picturesque setting and the grandeur of the winery's architecture add to the overall experience, immersing guests in the tranquil luxury of the Pomerol wine landscape.
In conclusion, Château Nénin represents the harmonious blend of historical Bordeaux winemaking traditions and modern precision. With its exceptional wines that capture the essence of the Pomerol terroir, this winery stands out as a beacon of quality and luxury in a region celebrated for its viticultural excellence.