In the glass
Aroma: red cherry, stony minerality, violet, cedar, fresh herbs
Palate: bright red fruit, crushed limestone, floral notes, graphite
The second wine of Ausone, sourced from the youngest Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines on the same limestone hillside. Crisp, elegant and unmistakably mineral, with a fruity register that opens earlier than the grand vin.
What it pairs with
-
Roast guinea fowl with mushrooms
The wine's restrained fruit and high acidity complement mild poultry; earthy mushroom mirrors the mineral notes. -
Lamb chops with herbs de Provence
Herbal aromatics in the wine echo the herb crust; firm tannin integrates with lamb fat. -
Charcuterie board with pate de campagne
Bright acidity cuts through pork fat; red-fruit register pairs with classic Bordeaux charcuterie.
History
Chapelle d'Ausone was created in 1995 as the second wine of Chateau Ausone, drawing on the youngest vines of the 7-hectare estate. Named after the chapel that overlooks the vineyard, it accounts for 10-20% of estate production depending on vintage. Alain Vauthier was among the first Right Bank producers to impose strict quality-driven selection for second-wine production.
- 1995 — First vintage of Chapelle d'Ausone produced
- 2024 — Re-released aged library vintages (2011, 2012, 2016) alongside current releases
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Ausone
- Grapes
- Cabernet Franc (55%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%)
- Classification
- Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
- Oak
- 20 months in French oak barrels; same conditions as grand vin but from youngest vines
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 120-200 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1995