In 2008 China represented nearly 4% of Bordeaux wine exports and is growing. Chinese wine enthusiasts are putting Bordeaux on the map for visits too. With the Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux and Vitivini tours I welcomed a group of Chinese graduate students from Cheung Kong Graduate School. Their first night was a baptism by fire with a Sauternes dinner at Château Guiraud, Premier Grand Cru Classé.

A tasting menu designed specifically to compliment the 5 different vintages chosen (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003) showed just how versatile Sauternes can be with both traditional and exotic cuisine, savory and sweet.