Chinese wine consumers will be protected from fraud through a tightly controlled supply chain from production to consumption, state-owned comestibles giant COFCO has said.

The Chinese conglomerate said the government wants to ensure wine sold in China is authentic and unadulterated, Decanter.com reports, following widespread suspicions of fakes connected with brands such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

This announcement was made by COFCO vice-chairman Chi Jingtao at the signing ceremony of the purchase of Bordeaux's Chateau Viaud.

"Being involved from the vineyard upwards in Bordeaux helps to strengthen this commitment, and investing in vineyards internationally is part of the fight against fraud," the publication reports him as saying.

Former owner of Chateau Viaud Philippe Raoux will act as a partner with COFCO for the distribution of Bordeaux wines to the Chinese market.

Speaking to the Xinhua news agency recently, Mr Jingtao said he intends to retain and develop Chateau Viaud's major brands and products.