Chinese wine enthusiasts are beginning to look beyond First Growth Bordeaux to the less well known estates in Burgundy and the Rhone.

According to Decanter, many retailers are also experiencing more interest in smaller Bordeaux estates, such as Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Chateau Pontet-Canet and Chateau Figeac.

Edward Ragg of Dragon Phoenix Fine Wine Consulting told the publication that Chinese wine enthusiasts are becoming more "savvy" about fine wine, and expanding their knowledge on the market.

"This is especially true among affluent, younger consumers who tend not to be as biased toward France and express interest in high-quality wines from various countries," he said.

Michel Negrier, export director of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite, recently suggested that Chinese interest in Bordeaux has been led by the county's government.

He explained that the authorities have encouraged consumption of imported grape wine rather than homegrown rice wine, to reduce pressure on the locally-cultivated crop.