In what country would the presidential palace auction off some of its finest wines to buy more wine and boost state coffers?

France, bien sûr!

The Élysée Palace — the official residence of the French president — has dipped into its wine cellars and put 1,200 bottles up for auction in Paris.

Mainly from Bordeaux and Burgundy, the wines would normally have been served to ambassadors or visiting dignitaries as they dined with the president, showing off the finest of French viticulture in the process.

The funds raised will allow the renewal of the palace’s wine stocks, auction house Drouot said.

The 1,200 bottles represent about a tenth of the cellar’s total stocks. Some date back decades, while others are newer but represent great vintages.

The auction house expects the bids to range between 15 euros ($19) for the most ordinary and an estimated 2,200 euros ($2,800) for a 1990 Petrus.