Meeting with Léa Zuger

Meeting the 5th generation: a family legacy at the heart of the Margaux appellation

An interview with Léa Zuger, head of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry.

In the world of wine, family legacies are often filled with challenges and rich histories. Such is the case at Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry, where the latest generation, represented by Léa, daughter of Jean-Luc Zuger, continues the winemaking tradition while bringing her own touch. Meet a passionate woman who balances heritage and modernity in managing this prestigious third-growth estate in Margaux.

A journey rooted in family tradition

“My father, Jean-Luc Zuger, took over management of Malescot Saint-Exupéry in 1994, the year I was born,” she begins simply. From a young age, she grew up among the vineyards, a setting that nurtured her passion for viticulture, where by the age of 13, she was spending time in the cellars. However, her path was not confined to family boundaries. At 18, she left for Canada, her mother’s home country, to pursue studies in communications and public relations. After several professional experiences, including working as a press officer, she returned to the Château in 2020 at her father’s request, as he announced his desire to prepare for the transition.

Despite the family connection, she admits to some apprehension: “Even though I was his daughter, I wasn’t necessarily the most legitimate person to take over the management of a wine estate.” So, before fully stepping into the role, she trained for four years in wine brokerage and trading, while also making wine elsewhere. “These experiences helped me understand a complex and essential system for managing an estate,” she explains.

The challenges of a family transition

Taking the reins of a property that has been passed down through generations is not without its challenges. Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry covers 28 hectares in Margaux, and its history sets it apart from its prestigious neighbors. “We have neighbors with significant resources, and our challenge is to continue producing high-quality wine without being overtaken.” Investments in the vineyard, with practices that require human resources, or in the cellars with modern techniques, can improve wine quality but are not always accessible for a property like Malescot. “We have to make choices and sometimes wait to invest.”

Respecting heritage, valuing the team

Being the fifth generation at the helm of Château Malescot Saint-Éxupéry also means relying on a precious family memory. “My father can speak to the difficult times our family has been through. It helps us stay grounded and reminds us that we’re just making wine, not saving lives!”

A thoughtful and balanced vision for the future

“Fruit, balance, and freshness are our guides,” Léa confides. This guiding principle, already present under her father’s leadership, continues to shape each vintage. And while every grand cru classé in Margaux has its own identity, she leaves it to wine lovers to discover for themselves the specific traits of Château Malescot Saint-Exupéry. “Wine sells through tasting, I don’t try to influence people.”

In this quest for balance, the team plays a crucial role. With 18 people working daily, she emphasizes the importance of valuing each member. “It’s unfair to personalize the business around me. We’re a team: in the vineyard, in the cellar, and in distribution.”

A traditional and rigorous marketing approach

In her management of marketing, she remains faithful to traditional Bordeaux practices. “We operate within the traditional Bordeaux system, where we sell the majority of production en primeur at a price below that of delivered wine, with a minimum goal of 70% first wine each year.” This approach, rooted in tradition, allows the preservation of part of the heritage while ensuring financial stability for the family business.

Léa embodies both respect for the family legacy and a desire to evolve the estate toward a new era. While maintaining the values that have shaped the estate, she paves the way for a reasoned management, respectful of the environment, and rooted in modernity. A delicate balance between tradition and innovation.