2009 was a "catastrophic" year for Bordeaux wine, with revenue down almost a quarter on the previous year, producers have revealed.

According to the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bordeaux, the region's wine exports fell 14% last year and brought in 23% less revenue.

The group said there had been an improvement in the first three months of 2010, but this "far from makes up for our losses".

About 30% of Bordeaux sales last year were overseas . EU countries bought 86.4 million litres (down 19% on 2008). Germany drank the most - 25.2 million litres - followed by Belgium and the UK.

The only growth area was China, which has almost doubled its Bordeaux imports in a year, up 97% at 13.7 million litres.

volff - Fotolia.com