Château Nénin

“Patience is a tree with a bitter root but very sweet fruit.” So goes the Persian proverb; undoubtedly the best principle that we can apply to the wines of the A.O.C. Pomerol. In general, its reds are smooth, rich and velvety, reaching their best at 12 years of age. This does not mean that it cannot be enjoyed straight away, but these wines will hold great surprises for those who know how to wait. This is the case with Château Nénin, a red wine made at the château of the same name from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

In particular, the French commune of Pomerol, in the Bordeaux region of Aquitaine (in the southwest of France) is a unique place. Made up of small streets, the real charm of this place lies in its châteaux, small properties with a few hectares where wine is the main industry. However, Châteaux Nénin is the exception that proves the rule, because this estate has a total of 32 hectares (a number far above the usual for the area). Of these hectares, only 10 are dedicated to the production of Château Nénin, the house’s great wine.

This vineyard (with the exception of one plot) covers the single unbroken area of the clay-limestone soils of the Pomerol plateau, where the vines have an average age of 28 years. The true magic of the wines from the A.O.C. Pomerol lies in the iron oxide in the soil, known in the region as crasse de fer which is the key element that distinguishes the wines of this area. Part of this uniqueness also comes from the work in the vineyard, where the tasks are entirely manual using ancient knowledge (without neglecting the most modern techniques). These tasks culminate in the second half of September with the harvest, which is carried out by hand, paying special attention to, and taking great care of the bunches.

In the winery, the Château Nénin vinification process is meticulously carried out in vat rooms that were renovated and expanded after 1997, when Jean-Hubert Delon bought the property from his cousins (the Despujol family). Finally, after fermentation, Château Nénin will be aged in oak barrels for 12 to 18 months (depending on the vintage).

Then Château Nénin will be bottled, which begins a journey through time that is only for the most patient.