Evidence suggesting that China was becoming the new force in the Bordeaux export market has now been backed by official data.

According to figures released by trade association the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), the volume of exports from the region rose by 23 per cent in the 12 months to June 2011.

This is primarily down to China increasing the amount of Bordeaux wine it imports by 85 per cent during this period, to reach a total of 314,000 hectolitres.

Such a surge takes the country past Germany as the world's biggest importer of Bordeaux, while between them, China and Hong Kong now take 60 per cent of the region's exports.

However, Hong Kong clearly leads the way when it comes to the purchase of fine and rare examples of Bordeaux, such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Margaux and Chateau Latour.

Hong Kong imported €326 million (£283 million) worth of the region's wine, with the value of China's large-scale imports only reaching €231 million (£200 million).

The UK also retains its position as a strong market for discerning wine drinkers, with the value of its Bordeaux imports measuring in excess of €274 million (£238 million).

CIVB director Georges Haushalter told Decanter that overall, sales have rebounded strongly, considering the economic climate.

He explained: "Sales have increased more over the past six months than over the entire proceeding year. But clearly the 2008 financial crisis has had a profound effect."

Bordeaux is looking to further its relationship with China in the coming months.

The CIVB recently re-appointed Burson-Marsteller to spearhead its marketing drive in the Far East, handing the firm a three-year contract worth $1.5 million (£0.9 million).

It is felt that the unique nature of Bordeaux wine, with its distinctive taste and history, will be the major selling point in the Chinese market.