Ausone
History and Background
Château Ausone's history is intertwined with that of the Roman poet and statesman Decimus Magnus Ausonius, born in Bordeaux in 310 AD. Ausonius excelled as a teacher, orator, and poet, and his works praised the wines of Bordeaux. Historians believe that his estate, Lucaniacum, may have been located where Château Ausone now stands. Honoring this legacy, the estate adopted the name Ausone in the late 16th century.
Since 1690, the Vauthier family has been the guardian of this esteemed vineyard, passing down a passion for winemaking through generations. Today, Alain Vauthier and his daughter Pauline represent the eleventh generation, continuing the family's tradition of excellence. Their stewardship has been marked by a dedication to both preserving tradition and embracing gentle innovations to enhance the quality of their wines.
Vineyards and Terroir
Château Ausone is one of the smallest of Bordeaux's top estates, encompassing just 7 hectares (approximately 17 acres) of vineyards. Nestled on a steep, south-facing limestone hillside on the outskirts of Saint-Émilion, the vineyards benefit from a unique terroir characterized by a combination of limestone on the plateau and clay-limestone on the slopes, providing excellent drainage and imparting a distinctive minerality to the wines. The limestone-rich soils are ideal for Cabernet Franc and Merlot, allowing the vines to delve deep for nutrients and water.
The vineyards are laid out on terraces supported by ancient stone walls, offering optimal sun exposure and protection from harsh winds. The natural amphitheater shape enhances the microclimate, aided by the nearby Dordogne and Isle rivers, which moderate temperatures and reduce the risk of frost. The vines have an average age of 50 years, with some over a century old, contributing to the complexity and concentration of the grapes. The small size of the estate allows for meticulous attention to each vine, ensuring that only the highest quality fruit is harvested.
Wine Style and Production
Château Ausone produces a Grand Vin celebrated for its finesse, elegance, and remarkable aging potential. The wine is typically a blend of approximately 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, though the exact proportions may vary with each vintage to reflect the nuances of the harvest. Key aspects of their wine production include:
Viticulture: An emphasis on organic and biodynamic practices, choosing the gentlest methods to allow the terroir to express itself authentically. Natural treatments are employed, and biodiversity is encouraged through the planting of hedges, fruit trees, and aromatic plants, as well as fostering habitats for beneficial fauna like insects, birds, and bats.
Harvesting: Grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness, with careful selection to ensure only the finest fruit is used. The estate's small size facilitates close monitoring and timely harvesting, allowing for precision in capturing the essence of each vintage.
Winemaking: Traditional techniques are combined with modern precision. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats, and the wine is aged in new French oak barrels housed in the estate's historic underground limestone quarries. These cellars provide ideal conditions of temperature and humidity for maturation, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity.
The resulting wines are powerful yet refined, exhibiting deep color, intense aromatics, and a palate that balances richness with minerality and freshness. They are known for their longevity, evolving gracefully over decades to reveal layers of complexity.
Reputation
Château Ausone has long been recognized as one of the finest estates in Bordeaux. Until the 2022 classification, it was one of only four estates classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion classification, a testament to its exceptional quality and esteemed position among Bordeaux's greatest wines. In 2022, however, Château Ausone chose to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification system, seeking greater autonomy over its branding and recognition.
Despite this change, the wines of Ausone continue to receive high praise from critics and are highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide. The estate's commitment to preserving its unique terroir, combined with the Vauthier family's dedication to excellence, has solidified its reputation as a producer of some of the most profound and enduring wines in Bordeaux.
Final Thoughts
Château Ausone is as an icon of Bordeaux winemaking, representing the pinnacle of what the Saint-Émilion region can achieve. Its unique terroir, steeped in history and carefully nurtured by the Vauthier family, produces wines that are both powerful and exquisitely refined. The harmonious blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot offers a profound expression of place, showcasing elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential. For those passionate about fine Bordeaux wines, Château Ausone offers a memorable and timeless tasting experience, serving as a benchmark for the region and a testament to the enduring legacy of its storied past.