China and Hong Kong are on track to become the world's biggest importers of Bordeaux wine, overtaking Germany, according to the most recent figures.

Decanter.com reports that between November 2009 and October 2010, China and Hong Kong imported €333 million (£278 million) worth of Bordeaux, due in some part to the seemingly-insatiable Chinese thirst for Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

Thomas Julien, Hong Kong representative for wine trade body the CIVB, said these figures reflect the trend for most developing markets.

"Early on, the focus is high end, classified growths, and entry level wines, then as the market grows and reaches maturity, the intermediate level begins to fill out, which is what we are seeing at the moment with mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau," he told the website.

It follows news that ASC Fine Wines has opened a three-storey private members wine showcase in Beijing's Swire Village, which will also host tasting and auction events.