Château 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 cultivated plots were already beginning to show their potential. In 1697, Simon Malescot, an advisor to Louis XIV at the parliament of Bordeaux, acquired the estate and breathed new life into it. He undertook the extension 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, purchased the estate and lent it his name, giving birth to Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry. Unfortunately, an extravagant lifestyle led the family to sell the property in 1853. Several owners followed in succession, but it was from 1955 onwards, 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 dwindled to just 7 hectares of vines. Thanks to the tireless efforts of three generations of Zugers, the estate now extends over 28 hectares and has reclaimed all its former glory.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

The terroir of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry, located at the heart of the left bank, enjoys a privileged position. 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 well-suited to the cultivation of noble grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Sun exposure, combined with gentle slopes, allows for optimal drainage, essential for obtaining concentrated, high-quality grapes.

The grape variety composition of the vineyard is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (35%), which bring structure and roundness to the wines. The 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot add spiced and complex notes that contribute to the crafting of rich and well-balanced wines. The vines, planted at a density of 10,000 plants per hectare, have an average age of 35 years, ensuring a consistent production of concentrated grapes of great finesse.

In a commitment to environmental responsibility, the estate is certified Haute Valeur Environnementale (HVE) and practices sustainable farming. The use of biocontrol techniques and sustainable methods helps preserve biodiversity and improve soil quality while minimizing ecological impact.

Winemaking at Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

Winemaking 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, in order 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 fermentation.

Once alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are complete, the wine is aged in French oak barrels, of which 70 to 100% are new, for a period of 12 to 14 months. This extended period of ageing on fine lees, with regular lees stirring, imparts a creamy texture and subtle aromatic complexity to the wines. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration, in order 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 yields wines of great aromatic purity.

The Cuvées of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry (Fine Wine)

Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry is the fine wine of the estate, crafted from the finest vineyard plots. This characterful Margaux captivates with its elegance and finesse, while presenting a beautiful tannic structure that allows it to age admirably. Each vintage offers a unique expression of the terroir, with complex aromas of dark fruits, liquorice, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the creamy, almost Burgundian texture and silky tannins are the hallmarks of this great cru.

La Dame de Malescot (Second Wine)

La Dame de Malescot is the second wine of the château, produced from the youngest vines of the estate. Although more approachable in its youth than the fine wine, La Dame de Malescot offers a beautiful expression of the Margaux terroir, with aromas of fresh red fruits, violet and spiced notes. On the palate, this wine displays a lovely roundness and supple tannins, perfect for earlier drinking.

The two cuvées, though distinct, share the DNA of Malescot: meticulous attention to detail, a pursuit of the perfect balance between power and finesse, and an exceptional ageing potential.

The finest vintages of Margaux, one of the most prestigious wines of Bordeaux, are renowned for their finesse and elegance. Among the most remarkable years, one finds 1959, 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995, 1996 and 1999, celebrated for their complexity and longevity. More 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 the consistency of Margaux in producing exceptional wines, a symbol of Bordeaux excellence.

We invite you to discover the various Third Grands Crus Classés Châteaux, true treasures of the Bordeaux region. Embark on a journey through 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 an unforgettable experience, reflecting the art of the wines of the Médoc.

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

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