Winery Overview & History
Château Ausone sits on the limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion and is one of the appellation’s few estates to hold the coveted status of Premier Grand Cru Classé A. The name recalls the Roman poet Ausonius, whose love of letters and wine echoes through the estate’s ancient cellars and steep terraces. Though modest in size, Ausone has long stood beside the greatest names of the Right Bank. Under the stewardship of the Vauthier family, tradition and innovation are woven into a consistent pursuit of excellence.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The vineyard totals just 7 hectares on southeast-facing slopes. A complex mosaic of limestone, clay, and sandy colluvium sits above solid limestone bedrock. Topsoil averages 30–40 cm, driving roots deep into the rock and yielding wines of striking minerality and concentration. The exposure shelters the vines from cold northern winds and supports even, steady ripening.
Grape Varieties & Winemaking Style
Plantings are approximately 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, with an average vine age of 50+ years. Grapes are hand-harvested in small parcels, rigorously sorted, and fermented in temperature-controlled vats. Maturation typically lasts 16–20 months in 100% new French oak, with additional élevage in Ausone’s natural limestone caves. The wines marry depth and finesse, showing violet, black cherry, truffle, graphite, and crushed stone; with age they gain silk, spice, and remarkable persistence.
Signature Wines
- Château Ausone (Grand Vin) — About 2,000 cases annually; a benchmark of complexity and precision.
- Chapelle d’Ausone (Second Wine) — Refined and approachable, carrying the unmistakable Ausone signature.
Notable vintages include 1959, 1982, 1990, 2005, 2009, 2010, and 2016, each balancing elegance with power and long life.
Visitor & Contact Information
Visiting: By private appointment only (subject to availability).
Address: 33330 Saint-Émilion, France
Phone: +33 5 57 24 24 57
Website: www.chateau-ausone.fr
Email: contact@chateau-ausone.fr
* Photo Courtesy of Chateau Ausone