Château Ausone

Château Ausone, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, France is one of the region's most historic wine estates. Its name honours the Roman poet and statesman Decimus Magnus Ausonius, who lived in the 4th century. While it's uncertain whether Ausonius owned the land, archaeological evidence suggests that a Roman villa once stood on the site. The estate's origins as a vineyard trace back to at least the 16th century with the name "Casteau Dauzone" appearing in records from 1592. Over the centuries ownership passed through several families, including the Lescours, de Lescure, and Chatonnet families. The Vauthier family, direct descendants of the 17th-century owners, currently manages the estate.

In the 20th century Château Ausone was jointly owned by the Dubois-Challon and Vauthier families. After a period of shared management, Alain Vauthier became the sole proprietor in the mid-1990s. Under his leadership the estate underwent significant renovations, including vineyard replanting and modernisation of the winemaking facilities. Alain's daughter Pauline Vauthier joined the estate in 2005 and has since taken on an increasingly prominent role in its operations.

Château Ausone's vineyards span approximately 7 hectares, planted primarily with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The vines benefit from a unique terroir of limestone and clay soils on steep, south-facing slopes, contributing to the wine's distinctive minerality and ageing potential. The estate produces two wines: the grand vin Château Ausone, and a second wine, Chapelle d'Ausone. In 2021 Château Ausone announced its decision to withdraw from the Saint-Émilion classification system, choosing to focus on its heritage and quality without the constraints of formal rankings.