Malescot Saint Exupéry

History of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

The history of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry begins in the 16th century when the property belonged to the Escousses family, notaries from Margaux. At that time, wine production was modest, but the exploited parcels were already showing their potential. In 1697, Simon Malescot, an advisor to Louis XIV at the Bordeaux parliament, acquired the estate and breathed new life into it. He undertook the expansion of the vineyards, the enlargement of the cellars and the construction of the château, consolidating the property's reputation within the Médoc.

In 1827, Count Jean-Baptiste de Saint-Exupéry, great-grandfather of the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, bought the estate and associated his name with it, thus giving birth to Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry. Unfortunately, an expensive lifestyle led the family to sell the property in 1853. Subsequently, several owners succeeded one another, but it was from 1955, under the impetus of the Zuger family, that the estate rose from its ashes. At the time of its acquisition by Paul and Roger Zuger, it had only 7 hectares of vines. Thanks to the relentless efforts of three generations of Zugers, the estate now extends over 28 hectares and has regained all its glory.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

The terroir of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry, located on the left bank, benefits from a privileged situation. It extends over approximately 30 hectares of vines, planted on deep gravel soils, rich in chalk and clay, with iron deposits. This type of soil is particularly conducive to the cultivation of noble grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The sun exposure, combined with gentle slopes, allows optimal drainage, essential for obtaining concentrated and high-quality grapes.

The vineyard's grape varieties are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (35%), which bring structure and roundness to the wines. The 10% of Cabernet Franc and 5% of Petit Verdot add spicy and complex notes that contribute to the elaboration of rich and balanced wines. The vines, planted at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare, have an average age of 35 years, ensuring regular production of concentrated and fine grapes.

In an environmentally friendly approach, the estate is certified High Environmental Value (HVE) and practises sustainable agriculture. The use of biocontrol techniques and sustainable methods helps preserve biodiversity and improve soil quality while limiting ecological impact.

Vinification at Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

Vinification at Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry is an art, carried out with care and precision to respect the integrity of the fruit and the authenticity of the terroir. The harvest is done by hand, in small crates, to preserve the integrity of the berries and avoid crushing the grapes. This attention to detail continues in the winery, where vinification takes place in a combination of temperature-controlled concrete and stainless steel vats, allowing precise control of fermentations.

Once the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are complete, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, 70 to 100% of which are new, for a period of 12 to 14 months. This long period of ageing on fine lees, with regular stirring, gives the wines a creamy texture and subtle aromatic complexity. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to preserve its natural organoleptic qualities.

Innovation is also part of the estate's philosophy. In 2007, cold rooms were installed to cool the harvest before vinification, a technique that allows better temperature control and produces wines of great aromatic purity.

The Cuvées of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry (Grand Vin)

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry is the estate's grand vin, made from the best vineyard plots. This characterful Margaux seduces with its elegance and finesse, while presenting a beautiful tannic structure that allows it to age admirably well. Each vintage offers a unique expression of the terroir, with complex aromas of black fruits, liquorice, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the creamy, almost Burgundian texture and silky tannins characterise this grand cru.

La Dame de Malescot (Second Wine)

La Dame de Malescot is the château's second wine, made from the estate's younger vines. Although more accessible in its youth than the grand vin, La Dame de Malescot offers a beautiful expression of the Margaux terroir, with aromas of fresh red fruits, violet and spicy notes. On the palate, this wine presents a lovely roundness and supple tannins, perfect for earlier tasting.

Both cuvées, although distinct, share Malescot's DNA: meticulous attention to detail, a search for the perfect balance between power and finesse, and an exceptional ageing capacity.

The finest vintages of Margaux, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious wines, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years are 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. Recent vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, and 2016 are also highly regarded for their structure and richness. Other years such as 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 confirm Margaux's consistency in producing exceptional wines, symbolising Bordeaux excellence.

We invite you to discover the various Third Growth Classified Châteaux, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Set out to encounter the great terroirs of Margaux with the prestigious Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferrière, Château Giscours, Château d'Issan, Château Kirwan, Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, Château Marquis d'Alesme and Château Palmer. Continue your journey with the wines of Château Calon-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe, Château Lagrange and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien, not forgetting the finesse of Château La Lagune in the Haut-Médoc. Each estate promises you an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of Médoc wines.

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry is one of the jewels of the Margaux appellation, an estate where history, tradition and innovation meet to produce wines of character and great elegance. For more than three centuries, this exceptional vineyard has weathered the ages, carried by passionate owners, and risen to become one of the best classified growths of the Médoc.

Today, under the direction of Jean-Luc Zuger and his family, Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry continues to write its history by offering wines of exemplary consistency, which delight amateurs and collectors worldwide. Treat yourself to a unique experience by tasting the wines of this estate, recognised for their creamy texture, refined tannins and ability to age gracefully. "Semper Ad Altum" - always higher, such is the motto of the château, a philosophy that is reflected in each of its wines.