Wine company Castel has purchased a 50 per cent stake in Bordeaux vineyards Chateau Beychevelle and Chateau Beaumont.

The French firm, which already owns 15 small Bordeaux estates and wine brands Baron de Lestac and Malesan, acquired the sites from Grands Millesimes de France, Decanter reports.

Philippe Blanc, director of Chateau Beychevelle, said although it is still early days, winemakers at the Bordeaux estate are looking forward to working with the company.

"We are optimistic about working with a new partner who understands the wine world very well, even if they have not been specialised until now in classified growths," he told the publication.

Interest in smaller Bordeaux vineyards has certainly increased since the Chinese government-owned company Cofco acquired the Chateau de Viaud estate.

Seller Philippe Raoux told Wine Spectator that the deal is a great opportunity for Bordeaux, as it will provide much-needed impetus for stagnating brands in the region.