Suggestions that China could begin developing its own wine to cater for the needs of its growing pool of oenophiles could be good news for drinkers elsewhere in the world.

The growing popularity of fine French wines such as Haut Brion, Chateau Mouton Rothschild and Lafleur in Asia has not gone unnoticed among economists and wine experts over the last few years.

However, if interest in European fine wines among the rich Chinese filters through to boost mass-market demand for exports among the wider population, this could seriously affect demand elsewhere, according to Good Housekeeping wine editor Richard Ehrlich.

Speaking to the Independent, he explained: "The home market is developing and the Chinese are developing a taste for wine.

"For everyday drinking they seem to be supplying their own needs, which may be a good thing because if they started buying up all the Beaujolais with their vast market there wouldn't be any left for the rest of us - or the price would double."

He added that, owing to China's size, it may be up to 50 years before the country's wine making potential is realised.

Last week, USA Today noted that Chateau Lafite Rothschild has been selling particularly quickly in Hong Kong, particularly in the run up to Chinese New Year.