Château Nenin: The Paillet Era
The history of Château Nenin becomes more certain with the tenure of the Paillet family, who were major proprietors during the 19th century. Although there was probably a vineyard here already (if not the Paillet family certainly established it), as they certainly planted vines. This was the beginning of viticulture and winemaking as the primary activity on the estate. The family also built the château that still stands at the roadside in Catusseau today. The Paillet family’s presence can be traced back to the middle of the 18th century, about the time that Jean de May lived here, although I have not established at what point the property passed from the de May family to the Paillet family, or if there were another owners in between.
Etienne Paillet (1753 – 1840) was born in Libourne, and as a young man he married well, taking Dame Thérèse-Marinette Dupeyrat Bouquey for a wife. I am not certain if it was Etienne that took possession of Nenin, but if he did not then the next generation certainly did. He and Thérèse-Marinette had three children, Marie, Marguerite and Etienne. There is potential for much confusion here, as subsequent generations tended to use the name Etienne rather a lot, and so in this account I have been careful to include dates of birth and death wherever possible. Of the three children the only son, also called Etienne Paillet (1789 – 1823), also born in Libourne, is described in documents from the time as a proprietor; this position may plausibly relate to his tenure of Nenin, although I admit I cannot be certain of this.
