The world of fine wine sales is changing, and smaller Bordeaux vineyards must work hard to show that they can compete with the big First Growth labels such as Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

This is the view of Armelle Falcy-Cruse, owner of Chateau du Taillan in Haut-Medoc, who told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette that family-owned vineyards are fighting for their space in the market admirably.

A drop in international exports of French wine has reduced the power of the Bordeaux negociants, the publication claims.

Chateaux used to sell most of their produce to negociants, it goes on, but they are now testing their ability to promote themselves independently.

"Americans have heard of the big names. We must show that family-owned properties can compare," Ms Falcy-Cruse told the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.

According to Wine Spectator, outside of the powerful Medoc appellation there is "a whole new world of Bordeaux", with many high-quality affordable bottles.