Online sales of fine and rare Bordeaux and Burgundy boomed in the first two months of 2011, according to the latest data.

Figures from the Interactive in Media Retail Group (IMRG) found that British consumers spent a total of £10 billion online in January and February.

Fine wine sales via online merchants are also proving extremely popular with consumers, with Brits purchasing 37 per cent more alcohol via the internet in February, compared to the previous month.

Tina Spooner, director of information at IMRG, said that the figures paint an extremely optimistic picture for online retail, despite reports of a fall in overall consumer spending.

"The results are a clear indicator of how strong consumer confidence is in the online channel, even during a period in which high street spending is down," she said.

Recently, the Champagne Information Bureau revealed that UK sales of the French sparkling wine have jumped by 16.3 per cent in the last 12 months, cementing Britain's place as Champagne's number one export market.