Chateau Lafite Rothschild has announced it will be changing its method of distribution in the key Chinese market.

Parent company Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR) (Lafite) is ending a seven-year relationship with the importer Summergate, Decanter reports.

As part of a strategy to capitalise on its fast-growing popularity in the Asian market Chateau Lafite Rothschild will now be distributed by ASC Fine Wines, which already represents brands such as Bollinger, Gaja, Beringer, E Guigal and Robert Skalli.

Decanter notes that in a statement regarding the split with Summersgate, DBR (Lafite) said: "After years of successful collaboration, this will permit both companies to independently reach their own goals in a fast growing market."

Chateau Lafite Rothschild has made great strides in the Chinese market already.

The Drinks Business noted earlier this week that the value of its 2009 vintage has risen by 26 per cent since its release, while the 2008 is 315.1 per cent more expensive than it was this time last year.