Wine: Haut Poitou Sauvignon Blanc 2011

WHEN we think of Bordeaux wine we think of quality and the famous châteaux.

Bordeaux is easily the largest wine region in France, producing over 700m bottles of wine each year with over 8,500 chateaux, many of whom struggle to make a living as the world seeks out fruit-driven wines from Australia and Chile often growing the exact same grape varieties.

The reputation of the region rests on the shoulders of the great châteaux, probably none as famous in Ireland as Château Lynch Bages which Charlie Haughey made sure was served on the Government jet and which was served to Queen Elizabeth II at the State dinner in Dublin Castle last year.