Second wines from the First Growths of Bordeaux have experienced a surge in popularity in recent months, it has been claimed.

Carruades de Lafite, the second wine of Chateau Lafite Rothschild, has led the way, nearly doubling in value, the Drinks Business reports.

In 2007, seven cases of Carruades de Lafite could be purchased for the price of one of Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Now, the figure stands at just four cases.

Similar trends are being experienced by the First Growths, with Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Latour all seeing their second wines increase in value, the publication notes.

With the price of first and second wines from the big labels becoming more expensive, wine lovers may want to look at some of the region's smaller vineyards for their Bordeaux.

Wine Spectator recently suggested that the 2008 Chateau Moulin Haut-Laroque and the 2008 Chateau Dalem are fine examples of the "world outside Medoc".