Château Ausone

History

Château Ausone, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The estate is named after Decimius Magnus Ausonius, a Roman statesman and poet from Bordeaux who owned vineyards in the region. The modern estate was established in the 18th century under the ownership of Jean Cantenat. Later, the Lafargue family inherited the vineyard, and it was further managed by Edouard Dubois, who added the adjacent Château Belair to the estate in 1916.

During the late 19th century, Ausone faced significant challenges, but it managed to escape the devastating frost of 1956, unlike its neighbor Cheval Blanc. The estate fell into decline until Pascal Delbeck was appointed winemaker in 1976. The ownership was later divided between the Dubois-Challon and Vauthier families, with Alain Vauthier becoming the managing director in the mid-1990s. Michel Rolland was appointed consultant oenologist in 2002.

Today, Château Ausone is one of the most sought-after wines in Bordeaux, known for its unique blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. The estate has been under the stewardship of the Vauthier family for over five centuries, with Pauline Vauthier, the 12th generation, actively involved in its management and winemaking processes[1][4][5].

Terroir

Château Ausone is situated in the Saint-Émilion region of Bordeaux, France. The vineyard spans 7 hectares and is planted with a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot. The terroir is characterized by steep, hillside slopes with grades ranging from 15% to 20%, primarily composed of clay and limestone soils. The limestone, in particular, is noted for its porous quality, which allows for optimal water retention and drainage, crucial for the vines' health and flavor development. The vineyard sits in a natural amphitheater, offering both sun and shade for the vines, with much of the vineyard enjoying southeast exposure. This unique terroir contributes to the wine's intense mineral character and contributes to its exceptional quality[2][4].