Château Malescot St. Exupéry

Château Malescot St. Exupéry is a winery in Margaux-Cantenac, at the heart of the Margaux appellation in Bordeaux. Its wine was named among the fourteen Troisièmes Crus (Third Growths) in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification — one of the most influential rankings in wine history, still shaping the region's reputation today.

What defines this vineyard?

The estate's vines are split across four grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for half the plantings (50%), Merlot for 35%, Cabernet Franc for 10%, and Petit Verdot rounds out the blend at 5%. Vines are planted at a density of 10,000 per hectare, an intensive method typical of Bordeaux's finest terroirs that concentrates flavor in the grapes. The average vine age is around 35 years, meaning mature root systems and correspondingly more expressive fruit.

Alongside its flagship wine, the château also produces a second wine, La Dame de Malescot — a common practice among classified Bordeaux estates. It lets the top-tier fruit go into the grand vin while remaining lots become a more accessible bottling that still reflects the château's style.

How do you get to Château Malescot St. Exupéry?

The château sits in Margaux-Cantenac, roughly a 30-minute drive northwest of central Bordeaux along the famous Route des Châteaux (D2), which runs through the Margaux appellation and the neighboring Médoc wine zones. It's a road worth taking slowly — vineyards belonging to some of the most recognized names in world wine line both sides.

What will you see on site?

Visitors can expect a walk among the vine rows and a look at the production process typical of a classified Margaux château, from harvest through aging. The Margaux appellation itself is known for elegant, aromatic, and comparatively delicate wines relative to neighboring Médoc areas, a result of its distinctive gravelly, sandy soils.

When is the best time to visit?

April through October is the best window, when weather favors walking the vineyard and many estates run regular tours with tastings. Harvest season — usually September into early October — is a particularly interesting time to visit, though château staff are often at their busiest in the fields.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) classification mean? It's one of five tiers in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, commissioned under Napoleon III ahead of the Paris World's Fair. Château Malescot St. Exupéry was one of fourteen estates ranked Troisième Cru, the third tier of prestige among the five classification levels.

Which grape varieties dominate the vineyard? Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (35%) form the backbone of the blend, complemented by Cabernet Franc (10%) and Petit Verdot (5%) — a classic composition for top-tier wines from the left bank of the Gironde.

What is La Dame de Malescot? It's the château's second wine, produced alongside the grand vin. It comes from lots that don't make the top selection but still carry the estate's character, typically at a more approachable price point.

Can you visit the château without a pre-arranged tour? Visits to classified Margaux estates are best planned ahead by contacting the château directly — many only welcome guests by prior reservation.