Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Ausone - 1970

Château Ausone 1970 is a remarkable Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from Bordeaux, crafted almost equally from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the estate’s signature blend. The 1970 vintage stands as a testimony to Bordeaux’s classic years, expressing elegance, structure, and depth. Château Ausone’s unique positioning on the limestone plateau and its ancient terraces bestows the wine with a distinctive minerality and complexity. Ageing in French oak barrels, followed by extensive bottle ageing, has allowed this wine to develop tertiary notes that now reveal themselves beautifully: expect aromas of dried figs, leather, cedar, and a hint of truffle, supported by a mellow red fruit core and velvety tannins, perfectly softened by time.

The Saint-Émilion region, located on Bordeaux's right bank, enjoys a temperate maritime climate and benefits from well-drained, limestone-rich soils. This terroir is ideal for Merlot and Cabernet Franc, providing structure and longevity. The area is also steeped in history, with viticulture dating back to Roman times. Saint-Émilion has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, indicative of its exceptional cultural and historical value. The combination of climate, geology, and human expertise has always contributed to the region’s reputation for producing wines that gracefully age for decades.

For food pairings, this mature Ausone shines with refined yet subtly flavoured dishes. Its delicate presence and layered bouquet pair superbly with classic French fare such as roast pigeon, lamb rack with herbs, or a truffle risotto. Local specialities, like Saint-Émilion’s own ‘entrecôte à la bordelaise’ or duck breast with mushrooms, would beautifully complement its earthy and savoury qualities.

When tasting a wine of this age and prestige, decant gently to separate it from sediment and let it air for just 30 minutes, so as not to diminish its fragile aromas. Serve at 17-18°C to best showcase its evolved bouquet and harmony. Enjoy the experience of tasting a true Bordeaux legend at its peak maturity.