Château Ausone

Identity

Château Ausone, a family-run winegrowing estate, is managed by Alain and Pauline Vauthier. It is located in the commune of Saint-Émilion in the Gironde département. The Vauthier family has owned the estate since 1690, representing the eleventh generation at the helm of the property.

History and philosophy

The history of Château Ausone dates back to around the 14th century with the establishment of its vineyard. The estate's name is a tribute to the Latin poet Decimus Magnus Ausonius, who taught rhetoric in Burdigala during the 4th century. The estate has been a family property since the late 17th century. The château, an outbuilding, its quarry, and its chapel have been listed as historic monuments since 2015.

Historically ranked Premier Grand Cru Classé ‘A’ since the inaugural Saint-Émilion classification in 1954, Château Ausone announced its withdrawal from the classification in 2022. This decision was prompted by disagreement with the assessment criteria, deemed too far removed from the estate's core values of terroir, wine, and history.

The estate’s philosophy focuses on environmentally friendly farming practices at the crossroads of organic and biodynamic methods. The estate uses natural plant-based preparations such as nettle, willow, and valerian. An organic conversion was initiated in 2020. The estate also emphasises biodiversity by integrating hedgerows, fruit trees, and aromatic plants, while fostering the presence of insects, birds, and bats.

Appellations

Château Ausone produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation.

Practical information

Château Ausone is located in Saint-Émilion, postal code 33330. The estate does not offer direct cellar-door sales, tours, dining, or accommodation. Mail order purchases are not available.

• Telephone: 05 57 24 24 57

Find out more

The vineyard (terroir)

The Château Ausone vineyard covers approximately 7 hectares, planted with red grape varieties. It is situated at the southern entrance of the medieval town of Saint-Émilion, along the limestone hillsides. The soil is predominantly clay-limestone overlying an *astéries* limestone plateau, benefiting from an east/south-east exposure that protects the vines from northern and westerly winds. The average age of the vines is 50 years, with certain parcels exceeding a century.

The current grape varieties planted across the vineyard comprise Cabernet Franc (around 55%) and Merlot (around 45%). Plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon were introduced in 2006 on the small terraces located in front of the château. Harvesting is carried out by hand. Planting density ranges from 6,500 to 12,600 vines per hectare.

Flagship cuvées

The estate primarily produces two still red wines:

Château Ausone

The estate's flagship cuvée is a refined and highly aromatic wine, marked by great minerality and pronounced freshness. The wine's style is characterised by remarkable length on the palate. The historical blend consists of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, often in equal parts depending on the vintage, with Cabernet Franc reaching up to 55%. Annual production ranges between 15,000 and 18,000 bottles. Viticultural practices for this wine include organic and biodynamic farming.

La Chapelle d’Ausone

The estate's second wine is crafted from young vines ultimately destined for the *grand vin*. Its blend is composed of Cabernet Franc (around 60%), Merlot (around 35%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (around 15%). Annual production for this cuvée varies between 4,000 and 7,000 bottles. This wine also reflects the limestone terroir, offering an accessible expression of fruit in its youth while maintaining excellent ageing potential.

Vinification and ageing

The estate's underground galleries, in use since the 17th century, are used for ageing the wines, allowing barrel maturation under optimal conditions.