# Château Ausone (2020)

- **Producer:** Château Ausone
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merlot, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Bordeaux, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €1173
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, violet, black cherry, bilberry, blueberry, incense, vanilla, sandalwood, mocha, chocolate, cedar, tobacco, graphite, earth, leather, wet stone

## About this wine

Château Ausone 2020 is a Premier Grand Cru Classé 'A' wine from Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux. The estate's history is deeply rooted, with its name originating from the Roman poet Ausonius. The modern estate is managed by Alain Vauthier, who upholds a philosophy of meticulous viticulture and a commitment to producing wines of great finesse and longevity. Its vineyard is situated on a limestone plateau with a south-facing slope, ideal for its Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. The 2020 vintage marks the estate's first year in official conversion to organic farming, reflecting a dedication to sustainable practices.

## Interesting facts

- Estate named after a Roman poet.
- First year of official organic conversion in 2020.
- Vine age averages 50-55 years.
- Limited production of around 1,800 cases annually.

## Food pairing

The wine's generous tannins and full body are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in rich meat dishes. The wine's complex aromas and flavors can echo or contrast with savory elements in the food, creating a harmonious dining experience.

## Wine making process

Château Ausone 2020 is produced through manual harvesting, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled concrete or wooden vats. A key technique, delestages, is used during fermentation until it subsides, after which the cap is moistened. The wine then undergoes aging for approximately 18-21 months, typically in 100% new oak barrels. The estate is in conversion to organic farming, incorporating practices like companion planting and focusing on ecological balance.