At A Glance
- Region
- Bordeaux
- Appellation
- Saint-Émilion
- Signature wine
- Château Ausone
- Second wine
- Chapelle d'Ausone
- Defining feature
- Limestone minerality
The Producer
The ancient Lucaniacum vineyard praised by Ausonius is associated with the modern location of Château Ausone. The château's name evolved from Casteau Dauzone through Château Dosone to Château Ausone, keeping the tribute to the Latin poet in its final form. Archaeological finds at the estate include pieces of agricultural implements, mosaics depicting vines and fragments of statues.
Place
Saint-Émilion is the Bordeaux setting for Château Ausone. The vineyard has a mixture of sand and clay on a limestone substrate unique to the district. Limestone deposits contribute the mineral character most tasters notice in the wines.
Wines
Château Ausone is the Grand Vin, the estate's principal red wine. It undergoes extended élevage in 100% new French oak barrels, up to 24 months depending on the vintage. Chapelle d'Ausone is the second wine, released selectively when declassification occurs.
In The Glass
Château Ausone has fine grained, silky tannins with vibrant acidity creating a linear palate. It is built for extraordinary longevity.
A Bottle To Understand It
Château Ausone 2020 is the first bottle to open. It is the Grand Vin from Saint-Émilion and reaches 14.5% alcohol. The bottle carries the estate name, the 2020 vintage and the Grand Vin designation on one label.
Final Word
Annual production is approximately 1,500 to 2,000 cases depending on vintage. Château Ausone remains a small Saint-Émilion estate built around its Grand Vin.
Sources
- www.chateau-ausone.fr/en/poets-legacy
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_Ausone
- www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bordeaux-wine-producer-profiles/bordeaux/st-emilion/ausone
- www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-ausone-st-emilion-1er-grand-cru-classe-a-2020-48259
- www.greatbordeauxwines.com/chateau-profiles/saint-emilion/ausone
- www.winewithseth.com/winewiki/chateau-ausone