Leading Bordeaux vineyard Chateau d'Yquem is to break with traditional and sell its wine by the glass, it has been announced.

According to Decanter, the winemaker has decided to follow the example set by certain Champagne houses and allow those who wish to celebrate the chance to do so without having to buy and consume the whole bottle.

A select number of restaurants across Paris, Monaco and the Alps will be the first to be involved in the initiative, selling Chateau d'Yquem for around €50 (£42) a glass.

Chateau d'Yquem director Pierre Lurton told the publication that should the idea prove successful, it could be extended into London and New York.

"We hope to present Y'quem in a fresh style, and in doing so create new ambassadors for the wine," he said.

Perhaps this new policy is a reaction to the perceived backlash against certain large Bordeaux chateaux labels.

Last week, author Jay McInerney noted in the Wall Street Journal that escalating wine prices are turning wine lovers towards the smaller Bordeaux growers.